Luke Bruner
MALE
Luke Bruner // Hauser senior track athlete
Bruner won the shot put with a throw of 49 feet, 9 inches and the discus with a toss of 145-0 Thursday to lead the Jets to a runner-up team finish in the Mid-Hoosier Conference meet.
His performance last week: “The competition was great. I had a big throw that I knew I had all year. I just didn’t have it until that meet, so I’m grateful that I was able to perform at my best.”
Do you do anything special to prepare? “We have a weird tradition around here that started my freshman year where Pat Walters, who is our volunteer throws coach, we would rub the top of his head. Other than that, I make sure I get my pre-workout Creatine, plenty of sleep the night before and then I listen to my music on the way.”
Favorite drink: “Dr. Pepper”
Favorite food: “Steak and potatoes”
Favorite class: “Music. I’m definitely a big music guy.”
Favorite sports team: “Indiana Pacers”
Favorite athlete: “(Professional shot putter) Ryan Crouser. I review his technique a lot”
Role model: “My dad (Matt Bruner). His level of encouragement isn’t always there in his words, but it’s definitely in his actions and the way he carries himself. That’s always motivated me to try to be the best I can.”
Best advice: “’You can always work harder.”
Athletics goal: “Hopefully break that 50-foot mark (in the shot) at sectional Thursday.”
If you could travel anywhere: “I’d definitely go back to Ireland. It’s my mom’s dream vacation place, and we have a lot of heritage there. Their culture is amazing. It’s a beautiful country, and the sites are just amazing.”
FEMALE
Bailee Scruggs // Columbus North junior softball player
Bailee Scruggs
Scruggs threw a seven-hitter and went 2 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs in a 6-1 win at Bloomington South, threw a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts and no walks and went 2 for 4 with a double in a 9-0 win at North Harrison and went 3 for 3 in a 14-2 win over North Oldham (Kentucky).
Her performance last week: “Our team did really good. I feel like I did really good, too. Even when I didn’t get on, I moved runners.”
Do you do anything special to prepare? “It’s just really talking through in my head what I’m planning on doing.”
Favorite drink: “Lemonade”
Favorite food: “Chicken pasta”
Favorite class: “Psychology”
Favorite sports team: “Clemson”
Favorite athlete: “(Tennessee softball pitcher) Carlyn Pickens”
Role model: “Carlyn Pickens”
Best advice: “The most important play is the next one.’’
Athletics goal: “I want to reach 70 MPH by this time next year. I’m two MPH away.”
If you could travel anywhere: “Italy, because of its architecture. I really want to see the Coliseum.”
