Cameron Turner Photo

GREENE – The Greene Trojans will be without their longtime football standout – Luke Erickson – come the 2017 season, however, that hasn’t stopped Erickson from continuing to impress in all facets of life.
Performing on and off the field, Erickson prides himself on contributing in a positive way to whatever situation he is put in – that contribution has been heavily noted with his abilities on the football field and basketball court. Erickson currently holds the Greene Central High School record for rushing yards in a season at 1,318 yards, which was set in 2015 – and finished his high school career with 3,304 yards on the ground.
However, Erickson, now a senior and finished with his Trojan football career, is being honored for his contributions off the playing field.
Erickson has been named to the 2016 Scholar All-State Football team by the New York State High School Football Coaches Association – an elite group of players.
“Luke has been wonderful to coach for many reasons. His athletic ability is obvious to those watching the game, but it's his willingness to prepare that makes him special in the class and on the field, I'm proud that his classroom work has been recognized,” said Greene head football coach Dave Gorton.
A few weeks ago, Erickson arrived home where a letter awaited him, informing him that he had been selected to the 2016 Scholar All-State Football team.
It is noted that to be named to the team one must be 'a significant contributor to his team, while excelling academically and exhibiting good citizenship.'
“This sentence to me means that someone selected for this award sounds to be a leader on the field and in the classroom. Not just someone who is book smart,” said Erickson of the defining sentence. “I believe that football has helped me in the classroom, and over the years with confidence, leadership, and hard work. I'll be honest I'm not a genius in the classroom or an amazing five-star athlete. I just feel like if you work extremely hard, with consistent effort, you can achieve your goals.”
Erickson has put forth the effort he speaks of thus far in both athletics and in the classroom. In 2016 – prior to a season-ending knee injury – Erickson was on pace for yet another 1,000 plus yard season, as the lead back in the Trojan's run-heavy offense. Erickson finished the season as the leading rusher for Greene, despite the injury, leading the team in yards on the ground and touchdowns with 811 yards and 11 touchdowns in six and half games.
Not only has he produced on their field, Erickson currently has excelled in the classroom – and currently is taking solely college level courses, with an overall GPA of 95.5 – as of last June. Erickson is approximately to be ranked seventh in his graduating class as it stands as of late February, 2017.
However, despite the honors, despite the recognition Erickson is receiving – he is being awarded this distinction as a part of the 2017 Scholar Athlete Football team as the first ever athlete from Greene to be chosen.
“Being the first student at Greene selected for this award is a complete honor to me. There are so many teachers, coaches, family and friends who helped me throughout the years to make me who I am today,” said Erickson. “Also, the teammates I was able to play with weren't only my teammates but my closest friends. Without their support none of this would have been possible. The hard work they displayed in the off-season over the years pushed me to be my best, and I am grateful.”
Following graduation this spring, Erickson explained that he plans to major in Pre-Med, while he also has still expressed interest in trying to walk onto a football team despite the injury to his knee – which he admits has been a setback.
“These last few months have been hard to say the least. When I found out the news I was really crushed. I had this plan, dream, whatever you want to call it for the last five years to go to college and play football at a high level. Not to mention that I wouldn't be able to even lace up my shoes to play basketball,” said Erickson of his football induced season-ending knee injury. “But after a few weeks, I realized that there are literally millions of people that have it harder than me. Life could be much, much worse, and so I'm very grateful. Injuries are a major part of sports, and some are much more severe than others. I cannot control what happens to my knee, all I can control is how hard I work. I truly believe that good things happen to good people who work hard, no matter their situation in life.”
Erickson has expressed interest in attending colleges along the east coast – mentioning Syracuse, Georgetown, and Villanova as possible landing spots once graduation takes place this spring 2017.
“For sports, wherever I attend I will try and walk on due to my knee injury,” said Erickson. “As for what I am thinking about studying, I believe I will major in a pre-med, because I enjoy helping other people.”