Hileman Gets His Kicks and Hits at ISU
Former JALC baseball player and Anna-Jonesboro High School graduate Lucas Hileman found time to punt for the Sycamores’ football team in his spare time at Indiana State University this fall. And not only did he contribute, he was a Missouri Valley All-Conference performer. (Photo courtesy ISU Athletics)
Logan Media Services
Although baseball has been and remains his primary sport as a collegiate athlete, Lucas Hileman said football was never far from his mind.
So when the opportunity presented itself this fall, the former John A. Logan College baseball player and Anna native jumped at the chance to lend a helpful hand, er rather foot, to the Indiana State University football team.
Hileman tried out for and won the starting punter’s job. And it wouldn’t be doing Hileman justice to just say he was filling in on an interim basis. He was good. Very good.
A senior in terms of baseball eligibility but only a junior in football eligibility, Hileman averaged better than 40 yards per punt this season with six kicks placed inside the 20-yard line. Moreover, he had five punts of 50 yards or better and was rewarded with a Second Team Missouri Valley All-Conference selection.
Not too shabby for a kid who hadn’t kicked in a game since his senior year with the A-J Wildcats.
“I first asked our baseball coach (Rick Heller) if it was OK for me to play, because I am here at Indiana State on a baseball scholarship,” Hileman said. “He was OK with it. He may have been a little surprised I made the team. But he’s been a great supporter of mine. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it weren’t with his blessing.”
Here, Hileman prepares to hit in game action last spring for Indiana State. The senior outfielder hopes to finish his collegiate career on a positive note. (Photo courtesy ISU Athletics)
“I don’t think I’ve reached my potential as a punter, and maybe I’ll be back to kick again next fall because it’s been a great experience for me,” Hileman said.
His head coach, Trent Miles, had nothing but words of praise for the multi-sport athlete.
“Luke has been a pleasant surprise for us. No doubt about that. Once I saw him punt the first time, I knew we had a pretty good kicker on our hands. He has worked out better than well for us. We had a linebacker who had been handling our punting duties. Getting Luke allowed him to focus strictly on defense.”
Miles said the arrangement was possible because he enjoys a great working relationship with his fellow coaches at ISU.
Hileman said his involvement with the football team next year will largely be predicated on what he accomplishes this spring with the ISU baseball team.
An outfielder with good speed, who hits from the left side with gap power, Hileman could get drafted in the Major League Draft next June. And if that were to happen, he would probably put his kicking shoes back in the closet – for good.
“All I can say is that it’s been pretty exciting. I’m glad I was able to help the team out,” Hileman said. “That’s why I went out in the first place.”
Posted: December 6th, 2011 under Athletics, General, Men's Baseball.