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Name: Luke Sipes
School: Altoona Area
Grade: Freshman
Sport: Wrestling
Athlete of the week achievement: Sipes went 5-0 and captured the 152-pound championship in the 47-team Panther Holiday Classic. He beat two-time Class 3A state qualifier Caden Dobbins of Dallastown, 2-1, in the final.
Season update: Sipes is off to a 10-0 start, while Altoona is 3-2 in dual meets.
Coach Joel Gilbert's quote: "Luke made a statement this weekend that he is one of the best wrestlers in the state at 152 pounds. Luke has all the intangibles of great wrestlers. He is constantly evolving and has the unique ability to adapt to situations to win matches. If Luke can stay healthy and focused throughout his high school career, he could go down as one of the best wrestlers in Altoona history.''
Favorite teacher: Logan Elementary's Ms. Walker and Mrs. Hite
Favorite subject: Civics/government
Favorite movie: "Jurassic Park''
Favorite food: DQ Blizzard
Favorite song: "Laugh Now Cry Later'' by Drake, ft. Lil Durk
Outside interests: Fishing, lifting, hanging with friends
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Alabama
Pro athlete most admired: David Taylor
Best athlete I ever competed against: Bishop McCort's Mason Gibson
Most influential person on my athletic career: My dad, Young Guns Wrestling Club coaches, M2 Training Center coaches
Proudest athletic achievement: Consistency, improving each year
How I got my start in wrestling: "I was in kindergarten, and my parents tried me out in wrestling. I learned to love it by first grade, and the passion never left.''
Future goal: PIAA 3A state champion