Lucas Brown known on the QGHS campus as “Robo Boy” and “Run Lucas Run” was selected as an all-conference athlete this past season as a sophomore. He is also the NCHSAA Division IA Uwharrie Athletic Conference Champion.
This young man has a bright future ahead for himself as a Cross Country runner. The 5,000 meter race over rough terrain and different surfaces can be a grueling event. However, Lucas thrives in this environment and is focused on improving his race times.
His best performance was during the Uwharrie Athletic Conference Championship when he won the event with a 17:38.0 flat time. This was a school record and the running Stallion wants to break this mark next season.
He also finished 8th in the Regionals with a 17:43.26 course time from a field of 125 runners. This race earned Lucas all regional recognition by finishing in the top 10. Only two other sophomores finished in this elite group.
In the states he finished 27th with a time of 17:43.63 out of 130 runners and the same two sophomore runners where in the top 30 list. Therefore, Lucas ranks certainly among the best three sophomore runners in the state going into next season.
Finally, the Uwharrie Conference Coaches voted Lucas the number 1 runner of the year which includes honoring his leadership and work ethic to the sport.
Lucas biggest competition is Bryson Childress, North Stanly sophomore standout who finished second to Lucas in the Uwharrie Conference Championship with a 17:50.0 time, however he finished 5th in the regionals with a time of 17:37.79 and 19th in the states with a 17:28.37 mark.
The competition between these two dominant sophomores is going to be great to watch over the next two years.
Also, it would be noteworthy to mention Lucas is a straight “A” student athlete and is a great role model for his teammates. His goal for next season is to finish under 17 minutes and he eventually wants to break the 16 minute mark. He is seeking all state recognition so his expectations are very high.
Meanwhile, Lucas Coach Tyler Sinclair in his first year as the Cross Country coach with a total of six years of coaching experience in track and field was named Conference Coach of the Year in the Uwharrie Athletic Conference. The team finished third in their conference, 12th in the regionals in Cross Country. Also, Lucas good friend Spencer Smith another sophomore finished 5th in the conference championship with a time of 19:23.
According to Coach Sinclair he has high expectations for his running Stallions for next season. The team is young with talent on both the boys and girls squads. He expects the boy’s to finish first or second in their conference with the biggest rival being North Stanly.
The girl’s should finish in the middle of the conference. He has high hopes for Ayanna Dennis another all-conference selection. The teams will also have 6 upper classman returning who have good experience and will establish a strong foundation and work ethic for their younger teammates.
Also, the coach has excellent coaching resources he can go to for assistance. Girls Coach Allison Rinehart is a huge addition and she is the Lady Stallions basketball coach at QGHS. Then there is Danny Stein a professional coach who runs clinics for Cross Country was an ACC Champion runner at UNC Chapel Hill who will work with the athletes to improve their endurance and speed in particular. He has worked with Lucas to improve his performance and the hard work showed during competition.
