Sipes

Name: Luke Sipes

School: Altoona

Age: 19

Grade: Senior

Sport: Wrestling

Athlete of the week achievement: Sipes won his fourth regional wrestling championship with an 8-1 victory over WPIAL champion Lonzy Vielman in the 160-pound finals at the PIAA West Regional on Saturday. Sipes had won by technical fall, pin and a 10-3 decision in the earlier rounds.

Season update: Sipes’ quarterfinal win was his 150th career victory, and he now has 152. He’s 39-4 this season going into the PIAA championships in Hershey.

Coach Joel Gilbert’s quote: “Luke has just been dominant. Not only in wrestling but in every facet during his time at Altoona. His focus and development as an all around super athlete, outstanding student and a great person has not been matched in my time as a coach. He is only the second wrestler in the history of Altoona to win four regional titles, and that feat may never be reached again. We are very proud of Luke for reaching this accomplishment and what he has done for not only the wrestling program but for the whole community.”

Favorite teacher: Mr. Fox and Mr. Blough

Favorite subject: AP Gov

Favorite movie: “Avengers: Endgame”

Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan

Favorite song: “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

Outside interests: Marvel, traveling, outdoors and coffee

Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite college team: North Carolina

Pro athlete most admired: David Taylor

Best athlete I ever competed against: Ladarion Lockett

Most influential person on my athletic career: My father

Proudest athletic achievement: Three-time PIAA placer

How I got my start in wrestling: “My dad took me to elementary practice when I was little, because I needed something to do. I ended up loving it.”

Future goal: Win an NCAA championship in wrestling