
Luke Johnson
Athlete
Football, Wrestling
Nikiski
Luke Johnson’s high school athletic career is nothing short of legendary. A true multi-sport standout, Luke excelled in football, wrestling, basketball, and track & field, leaving a lasting impact on every team he was a part of. His achievements reflect not only his exceptional athletic ability but also his unwavering dedication, leadership, and academic excellence.
Luke’s wrestling career is especially notable. He achieved the rare feat of being undefeated for three consecutive seasons, winning three state titles in a row from 2013 to 2015. His dominance on the mat was further highlighted by his selection as a USA Wrestling Academic All-American in his senior year. As a freshman, Luke was a state runner-up, losing to his older brother, setting the stage for the remarkable success that followed. As coach Dylan Hooper remarked, “Luke is probably the most accomplished athlete I have ever coached.”
In addition to wrestling, Luke was a key player on the football field, where he played in four state championship games, winning a state title in 2013 and finishing as a runner-up in 2012, 2014, and 2015. He was a force both offensively and defensively, earning multiple All-State honors. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014, and Lineman of the Year in 2015. Luke was also recognized as State Player of the Game four times and capped his high school career with an MVP performance in 2015. His coach, Jake Doth, shared, “Luke’s leadership on the field was unparalleled; he always led from the front.”
Luke’s excellence extended to track & field, where he proved his versatility by competing in multiple events. He earned state championships in the shot put and set a new school record in 2016. That same year, he finished second in the discus. Luke’s well-rounded abilities also saw him place in the top six in the state in both shot put and discus in 2015, and he made an impressive showing in his freshman year by placing in the state in the shot put, high jump, and 4x100m relay.
As a basketball player, Luke contributed to a sixth-place finish at the state competition in 2016, showcasing his talent in yet another sport. His ability to excel in multiple disciplines made him a standout athlete and a leader on every team.
In the classroom, Luke maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout his high school career, demonstrating the same dedication and work ethic that fueled his athletic success. His teachers and coaches praised him not only for his athletic achievements but also for his character, leadership, and kindness. Luke’s commitment to excellence was evident in both his sports and academics, making him a role model for his peers.
After high school, Luke continued his athletic career at the University of Idaho, where he played college football while pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Today, he works as a Civil Engineer in Moscow, Idaho, and is raising a family with his wife, Rachel.