Luke Poindexter had a chance to experience playing in the state football finals last fall when he helped Columbus East win the Class 5A state title.
This spring, Poindexter is aiming to make it to state in another sport — track and field. The senior is one of the Olympians’ top high jumpers and 400-meter runners.
“I feel like I’ve worked hard in both of them and can do pretty well in both,” Poindexter said. “I would like to make it to state. I feel like a couple of us will have an opportunity, and I feel like if we keep working hard at it, we’re going to get it.”
After being injured most of last track season, Poindexter cleared a personal-best 6 feet in the high jump April 24 in helping lead the Olympians to the Seymour Invitational title. A week earlier, he ran 52.8 seconds to win the 400 in a dual meet against Columbus North.
Poindexter also anchors East’s 4×400 relay team and has run a 52.5 split. He’ll be in those three events tonight when the Olympians compete in the Hoosier Hills Conference meet at Seymour.
“Luke does a great job, especially with him being one of the very few seniors,” first-year East coach Scott Pherson said. “He provides the leadership, and he’s selfless. He’s a team-first guy, and that’s exactly what we need. He sacrifices for the team and leads by example, and you couldn’t ask for more from a senior.”
Poindexter has been a three-sport athlete throughout his four years at East. He was the third cornerback and played in passing situations for the Olympians football team. This winter, Poindexter was a key reserve on a basketball team that made it to the sectional finals.
He had trouble picking a favorite sport.
“I love them all,” Poindexter said. “I like team sports. (Winning state in football) was an incredible opportunity that all of us got to do. It was amazing.”
Shortly after graduation, Poindexter will head to Dallas for boot camp for the Air Force before heading to school in Colorado Springs. He has received security clearance at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Indianapolis, but still has to take a test before being sworn in.
Having that opportunity superceded Poindexter’s desire to play one of his three sports at the college level.
“At one point, I was going to, but then I thought it was a great idea to go into the Air Force, and I’m really looking forward to serving our country,” Poindexter said.
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Hoosier Hills Conference boys track and field meet
When: 6 p.m. today
Where: Seymour High School
Teams: Columbus East, Bedford North Lawrence, Floyd Central, Jeffersonville, Jennings County, Madison, New Albany, Seymour
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