Senior spotlight: Luepke does a bit of everything for Spencer/Columbus football team
SPENCER – Spencer/Columbus senior Hunter Luepke defines what an iron man football player is.
The standout is the workhorse running back for the Rockets and a hybrid linebacker/safety on defense as well as being a special teams specialist as the kick returner, placekicker and punter.
The versatility and athleticism is why the senior has committed to North Dakota State as a fullback/tight end. He is coming off a junior season in which he rushed for 1,174 yards and 15 touchdowns on 115 carries. He also had 10 tackles for a loss, including two sacks He was an all-Cloverbelt Conference first team selection at running back as well.
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Luepke also won the 195-pound state title in Division 2 during the WIAA state individual wrestling tournament in February at the Kohl Center. It was the first individual championship in the Spencer program history.
He recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about his most memorable sports moment and a remarkable ability to solve a Rubik’s Cube, among other topics.
Do you have a nickname, or what do your friends and teammates call you?
"Lip." The seniors gave it to me at the start of my freshman year.
Any special talents, or what is something that people might not know about you?
I am pretty good at solving a Rubik’s Cube. I think my fastest time is somewhere around a minute.
You’ve made some championship runs with a team and as an individual during your prep career, but what would you say is your most memorable sports moment or achievement?
Making it to state (football) in my sophomore year. That (state semifinal) game was pretty awesome. We came in ready to go (against Shoreland Lutheran) and beat them 50-7.
What would you say your most embarrassing sports moment has been?
It was probably in that state (title) game. Getting trucked a couple times by (Amherst’s Garrett) Groshek wasn’t that fun.
Do you have any sports superstitions or rituals you go through before a game?
After I get all of my (equipment) on, I will just sit down on the bench and listen to some music – whatever is on the playlist.
What is the feeling going into your senior year of prep football?
It’s exciting. It’s already going by really fast I’m just going to come out on every Friday and make it count.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Megan Fox.
Where is your dream vacation or what would it be?
Jamaica or somewhere warm.
What would be your dream career?
An athletic trainer or maybe a coach. I would like to be on the sidelines on a Friday night and have the traveling around the state and helping players out.
HUNTER LUEPKE
School: Spencer
Year: Senior
Sport: Football
Year started playing football: Third grade.
Favorite pro or college athlete: I always thought (former Badger and current Pittsburgh Steeler) TJ Watt was a pretty good role model. I was talking (current Wisconsin football player Garrett) to Groshek and he’s a pretty cool guy. Those two probably are my favorites right now.
Favorite musical artist: Five Finger Death Punch or Justin Bieber. I’m not going to lie.
Favorite movie: "The Longest Yard." The remake with Adam Sandler.
Favorite meal or food: Steak and fries. Every Sunday my family gets together and has that.