Bellarmine’s Luke Sprague talks hoops, faith, future
By Ruth Schenk | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
What happened on March 26, 2011 will always be a favorite memory for Luke Sprague, a member of Sojourn Community Church.
That’s the night his basketball team, the Bellarmine University Knights, defeated Brigham Young University-Hawaii 71-68 to become the NCAA Division II national champions.
Five busloads of students made the trip to Springfield, Mass., to cheer on the team.
“We ran the trophy to the student section and celebrated with them,” Sprague said. “It was awesome to share that moment with my family, as well.”
That night, Sprague notched a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. An hour after the game players still were signing autographs.
The Outlook talked with Sprague about his basketball experiences, his faith and his future plans.
Q: How did you choose to go to Bellarmine University?
A: The summer of my junior year at Castle High School in Newburg, Ind., there was a week when college coaches were allowed to contact us. I hadn’t gotten many phone calls. I did get an offer from Princeton University but no scholarship offers. I worried about that, prayed about it and the next day, I got two calls. One was from a coach in Hillsdale, Mich., and the other was from Bellarmine. Coach Davenport offered me a full scholarship, and that made my decision to go to Bellarmine very easy. The decision felt right. Now I know I wouldn’t be happy anywhere else.
Q: You are outspoken about your faith. How did that develop?
A: I was raised in a home of faith where you were expected to go to church on Sundays. It wasn’t a choice. In high school, it became my choice, not just something my parents decided we’d do. I had some struggles when I first got to college, but this year I’ve met a lot of people who are good influences and I’ve grown in faith the last 18 months.
Q: Were you always a basketball fan and player?
A: I started playing basketball in the first grade, though most of the time I just played driveway games with my two older brothers. As I grew taller, eventually to 6 feet, 8 inches, basketball became my sport. I played through high school and enjoyed that so much that I wanted to go on to the next level.
Q: What do you plan to do after college?
A: My major is biology, and I plan to go to medical school. In fact, I’m taking the entrance test this summer. I plan to use that (knowledge) in the United States but also go on short-term medical mission trips.
Q: What date are you looking forward to on the calendar?
A: I’ll be going on a basketball mission trip to Poland in July with Shelbyville Christian Church, where we’ll use basketball to share the Gospel with kids. That’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
Q: What’s your advice for young athletes?
A: Stay focused on your goals. If you want to play college sports, you must be disciplined, take care of your grades and stay out of trouble. Coaches don’t appreciate baggage like grades or athletes who get into trouble. Don’t let silly or stupid things keep you from achieving.