Coach Lucas, along with the Owls team celebrates the milestone on Saturday.
FRANKLIN — Sports are like math. It has a lot to do with numbers.
Milestones are something that comes with sports, especially for coaches who build an entire legacy in one place.
Seymour Owls volleyball coach Angie Lucas reached a special milestone Saturday. She celebrated her 700th victory at the Franklin Invitational. The Seymour victory over Greenwood was the monumental win for the longtime coach.
Lucas spoke about the achievement, thanking so many people who have been part of her volleyball journey.
“I’m very proud to have reached this career goal, but I didn’t reach it alone,” Lucas said. “I remember 33 years ago, sitting in my interview for this position to be a volleyball coach and thinking what an awesome opportunity this would be for me.”
She made the right choice, completing many milestones along the way. Lucas thanked some people who were helpful along the way.
“I need to thank Dr. Mahan for taking a chance on me with limited years of varsity experience. I also want to thank Mr. McCormick for teaching me that there is more to high school athletics than winning volleyball matches,” she continued. “He helped me understand that I had a responsibility to teach respect, responsibility, commitment, dedication, sacrifice and so much more. I’m proud this program is built on those fundamental ideas.”
She also thanked Mr. Walt Wintin, who used to be the athletic director for the Owls in the early ’90s.
“Walt helped me learn how to motivate others through music,” Lucas said. “Now, we play music every day in practice. Lastly and most importantly, I need to thank Fran Schill, who was the principal at Crothersville High School, which is where I began teaching. He was an amazing mentor to me, and he taught me how to be kind, humble and patient with others. He led by example, and that’s how I approach everything with our program today.”
Lucas has accomplished a lot in her 29-year tenure with Seymour. She has compiled a record of 642-319 with the Owls. The other 58 wins came from her time as coach of Covington High School. Lucas went 58-28 as the head coach of the Trojans. Her overall record sits at 700-347.
She was also inducted into the Indiana Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2013 and has been part of 11 IHSAA sectional titles and six IHSAA regional titles.
Lucas then thanked her players and family and friends for their encouragement and their efforts.
“Thank you to all of the former and current players, managers, coaches, parents and anyone who is associated with our SHS volleyball program and with the Covington High School volleyball program,” she said. “I am thankful for the support from my family and friends and for the encouraging words over the years as I have made my way along this journey. It’s been a fulfilling ride and one that I am so very blessed to have been on.”
Lucas was asked what she wants to be remembered for during her continuing tenure with the Owls. She focused on the bigger picture, instead of athletic success.
“I think I want others to remember me as someone that has high character and high standards,” Lucas said. “Of all these accomplishments and wins, I’ve tried to make the best decisions for this volleyball program. We have built a culture of family. I love this school, and I love this program and team.”
Congratulations to coach Lucas on the impressive milestone.