Lucas Skibba returns after missing 2014 to torn ACL

                                                 

Lucas Skibba back after missing 2014 to knee injury

“Being able to get back at it feels really good,” Lucas Skibba explains

 

 Last year at this time Skibba had just been named a preseason All-American by D3football.com. The Plover native was going to be the anchor of the offensive line. Just like that, Lucas’ season was over.  A torn ACL early in training camp meant the senior would miss the entire season.

 Skibba told me early-on following his injury that he didn’t want to end his career in street clothes on the sideline.  He vowed to be back in 2015.

 Skibba petitioned the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility due to injury. The request was granted.

 Despite missing being on the playing field last season his presence was felt both on the field and in the locker room.

Last year's O-Line was the youngest for the Warhawks since I came on the scene in 1988. The entire two-deep was made up of freshman and sophomores.

 Lucas used his experience to serve as a defacto student assistant coach in helping lead the Warhawks to a second-consecutive NCAA Division 3 national championship.

 The “red shirt” senior is not ashamed to admit that he was perhaps the “biggest” cheerleader throughout “Warhawk Nation.” Whileout injured. When you are 6’3” and 285 pounds you are classified a big cheerleader.

 Skibba admits that it’s been a challenge the first couple days of training camp.

 “First practice was pretty challenging," Skibba explains. "Today (second practice) I felt like I was really getting back into it. What I notice the most is the speed of the game. It will take practice reps to feel more comfortable.

 With the entire offensive line back from last year, and with the return of Skibba, the senior says his group looks forward to the challenge of repeating as conference champions.

 “We look forward to the challenge,” Skibba told me. “We want to lead the way in establishing another great run game and have pass protection schemes (pass pro shut outs) that will protect our quarterback.”

 The UW-Whitewater offensive line has been a fan favorite over the years at Perkins Stadium. It is summed up in three words – POUND THE ROCK!

“We are the guys in the trenches,” Skibba explains. “We relish the importance of our role of doing our job well each and every play. That’s our job. Their can’t be any excuses.”

 As as been the case each and every year, their is absolutely no talk of another Stagg Bowl berth for the Warhawks.

“As we say here every week, we have to keep pressing forward  and be 1 and 0 each and every week – every opponent.” Skibba said.

 To be successful, don’t get looking at the big picture. Keep your focus, one play, one practice, one game at a time.

POUND THE ROCK