P.O. Male Athlete of the Week: Luke Herman
The name Herman is not an unfamiliar one in the world of Greencastle-Antrim soccer.
Senior Luke Herman is just one in a long string of family success in the program, but he's keeping the family name proud. Herman scored the game-winner in a key Mid Penn Colonial Division match against Boiling Springs, and he is the Public Opinion Male Athlete of the Week.
For Herman, there's always been pressure to perform as a Blue Devil, but it's not something he's shied away from.
"It's a little bit of both, actually; it was kind of a natural thing," Herman said. "Every single one of (my siblings) played soccer before me, and all of my older brothers were captains of the boys team. So there was definitely some pressure there, but it definitely felt natural because I grew up with it. We all played soccer throughout the years."
Herman hasn't disappointed, though. He's followed right in Jesse, Stephen and Paul's footsteps. Now a senior, Herman is a captain for Greencastle.
"He's just such a hard worker," G-A coach Scott Gelsinger said. "He's a team leader, and is an all-around great kid and great player. You know when you get a Herman, you're going to have a great kid and nobody is going to out-work them."
Already this season, Herman has had to show off his versatility. Early in the season, Damian Sherrill, one of the Blue Devils' top strikers, suffered an injury, causing Herman to move to the left-midfield position.
"That hurts a bit, but we're working through it," Gelsinger said. "I moved Luke out to left mid, even though he's a right-footed player. That's one thing Luke has worked hard at - he hits the ball well with both feet, so we were able to move him out."
Herman said, "With Damian being out, that leaves a hole in the offense, so we've had to juggle things a bit. Some of the other guys have really stepped up in taking a new position, but it's been a little challenging."
Herman's new position paid off this week, though. In a knotted 1-1 game, Herman finally broke through for the final nail in the Bubblers' coffin. He said the Blue Devils had something to prove as the defending Mid Penn Colonial champs who were pinned as the underdogs that day.
Luke Herman, Greencastle-Antrim
Grade: Senior
Sport: Soccer
Position: Midfielder
Parents: Mark and Kathy Herman
Other interests: Luke also enjoys running, swimming, hiking and hanging out with friends.
Surprising fact: Herman has seven brothers and sisters.
Favorite team: Green Bay Packers.
Athlete most admired: Aaron Rodgers.
Statistics : Herman scored a goal and had two assists this week ... He scored the game-winner in a key Mid Penn Colonial Division game against Boiling Springs.