photo credit: Gracyn Lidke
10-0 is just about the best way to end the regular season for running back Lucas Fickel. No. 2 is on the track to greatness as he finishes his senior year of high school football.
Fickel’s improvement from his freshman season to now has been noticed by both coaches and fans. With Head Coach Wes Schroeder, it is no surprise that Fickel has drastically enhanced his performance on the field.
“Coach Schroeder has always believed in my abilities and took me from decent to really good over one season,” Fickel said.
Football has been a passion for him; since he started walking, he was passing a football.
“I started playing football almost as soon as I could walk, and I have always had a goal to be as good at this sport as I could possibly be. That mindset has really taken me far,” Fickel said.
Motivation plays a key role in Fickel’s success as he enters the offseason. Rather than taking a three-month-long break over winter, he continues to train and condition to become the best possible version of himself.
“What keeps me motivated is our team’s success” and “I just want to work hard so I can help my team go as far as possible,” Fickel said.
On top of bringing a big game to practice every day, Fickel also brings a big heart. Fickel has helped many underclassmen improve their own game on the field.
“He is a superstar athlete, but you wouldn’t know by the way he practices and treats his teammates. When your best players are some of your best people, you have a chance to be really good and that is what he has done for our team,” Schroeder said.
To keep up this winning performance, Fickel has a pre-game routine much like many professional athletes.
“Mentally before a game, I will get out a play sheet and walk my brain through every scenario I can think of for every play, so I can be as prepared as possible. Physically, I must make sure to drink tons of water the day before and day of on game day and make sure to eat healthy too,” Fickel said.
When Schroeder first met Fickel, he immediately knew that was someone he wanted on his team. With personality and skill, Fickel had it all.
“I saw him in the weight room working extremely hard, and then I went and talked with him. He was a soft-spoken, kind young man. Coaching is a lot when you are doing it with good people,” Schroeder said.
Bringing a positive mindset to training every day is key to an effective player. Fickel has no problem showing up in a good mood, ready to practice.
“He is always in a great mindset when coming to practice. He is a great teammate and makes our practices more effective. Because of this, he is always getting better and so is our team,” Shroeder said.
Not only is Fickel inspired by his coach on the field, he also has his inspirations off the field to keep him determined to develop his capabilities.
“My dad is a really big football fan, and he has always pushed me to fulfill my potential in football and other things,” Fickel said.
As of week eight in his 2025 football season, Fickel had 1,161 rushing yards and 23 touch downs, averaging 145 yards per game.
“Breaking the school record for rushing yards in a season in nine games is one I’m really proud of,” Fickel said.
Not only does Fickel strive with his football skills, he also has the speed of any star track athlete with times of 11.08 seconds in the 100 m and 4.53 seconds in 40 yards.
“He is a great running back who practices hard and does what is needed for the team” and “he is already an unbelievable football player,” Schroeder said.
Fickel plans to continue his football career at Yale University while pursuing a degree in computer science.
“It’s no secret we were going to be good this year,” Fickel said.
