10
2011 Luke Capen
Wide Receiver
6’2″ 180
High School Coach: Terry Hessbrook
High School: Ithaca, C
College: Northern Michigan University
Luke’s parents are Fran Barnes and Scott Capen. He is the oldest of three siblings. His two brothers are Josh (17) and Seth (15).
Luke began playing football in fifth grade in a Youth Program headed by Jim Fitzpatrick. Luke was a three-year starter for Ithaca. He started all three years at wide receiver and at safety. He led the team in receptions, yards and touchdown catches his senior season. He was part of the first Regional Championship ever at Ithaca in his junior year and then helped lead Ithaca to its first state title in 2010. In the championship game, Luke had 11 catches (third all time in MHSAA history for catches in a championship game). Luke was voted best defensive back his junior year and was voted best receiver his senior season. Luke was also voted best two-way player his senior season and was also a team captain.
Luke also played basketball and baseball. He was a three-year starter on the basketball team. He was a part of the team that tied the school record for wins in a season his junior year. He was named all conference every year. He was a captain his senior year. He was a four-year starter for the baseball team and received first team All State honors his junior season.
Luke said, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family. Special thanks go out to my mom, dad, grandma and my brothers, for always being behind me in whatever I do. They helped me become the man that I am today. I also thank the coaching staff who helped me become the type of player I am today, without them I wouldn’t be here. I couldn’t do anything without my teammates who were always there for me on and off the field, I will always be grateful for them and what they helped us accomplish as a team this year. Lastly, I thank the community of Ithaca, the best fans in the state. Thank you for always believing in me and my teammates. I will always be thankful to the Ithaca football program and will always be a ‘Yellowjacket’.”
Awards
All Tri-Valley Conference 2nd Team, 2009
All Tri-Valley Conference 1st Team, 2010
All Gratiot County Team, 2010
Dream Team, Morning Sun, 2010
All State Honorable Mention Defensive Back,
AP, 2010
All State, Wide Receiver, Detroit Free Press, 2010