DES MOINES, IOWA - Once named “Mr. Soccer” for the state of Iowa in high school, senior captain Luke Frieberg could easily be named the “Mr. Soccer” of Drake University.
Coming from a small town in Iowa, Drake was a prime choice for Frieberg. A mere 15 minutes away from his house, Drake stood out as a good fit for the Norwalk High School graduate.
The small school atmosphere and the ability to play soccer at the Division I level drew him to Drake. Frieberg prefers the relationships with teachers and the one-on-one attention that Drake provides. Helping him develop his skills and professionalism is one thing the teachers at Drake have provided during his four-year tenure at the institution.
As a captain this year, Frieberg has assumed the responsibility and leadership that comes with being a role model for the rest of the team. Working together with fellow senior captain Keith Gorczyca, they have vowed to make this year a special one. Together they have taken that role by the horns, from organizing team practice schedules to leading the younger players, putting in the work to make this season a success. But for Frieberg, being captain is more about being a person that the team can rely on, taking the responsibility to get things done and turn the team around.
Apart from soccer, Frieberg is also taking his leadership skills into the realm of campus activities. As President of the Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) Frieberg is able to get involved in student-athletes lives to help them benefit within academics as well as athletics. Frieberg was introduced to SAAC his freshman year by senior Adam Zenor who was a captain on the soccer team who was President of the group. His involvement in the organization grew and his interest in benefiting others became something he wanted to pursue.
Taking on more responsibility as President, Frieberg has helped SAAC grow as an organization, moving it to the next level of progress. As well as being involved in SAAC, Frieberg has is a part of various religious groups on campus such as Alive and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. These groups have allowed Frieberg to meet new people and share different experiences. This balance of campus involvement, academics and athletics in Frieberg's day-to-day activity has improved him as a student, a soccer player and as a person.
Frieberg may be a good student, a good athlete, and a good person, but he really knows how to show his Drake pride. While on his way to a championship game for the Premier Development League's Des Moines Menace in 2005, Frieberg packed his Drake t-shirt just in case he might score the winning goal against El Paso. As a defender he knew it wasn't likely.
As the team was getting suited up for the big game, Frieberg looked at his teammates writing their names all over their shirts while he simply pulled a Drake shirt over his head. In the 90-degree heat, Frieberg played hard to the very last minute, resulting in an overtime tie, which meant the game, would be decided in a shoot-out.
As the seventh shooter in the shoot-out, Frieberg knew the game was in his hands, he sent the ball straight at the goalkeeper and snuck it past him. Frieberg ripped off his jersey showing those Drake colors proudly. All Frieberg thought was find the television camera and point to those letters written across his chest. For Frieberg, the spur of the moment decision turned out to be pretty amazing.
It is unknown what the “Mr. Soccer” of Drake University will do next after graduation. While Major League Soccer is a possibility, Frieberg is keeping things realistic. An internship working with an insurance broker over the summer helped him gain valuable professional experience. Whether it's a professional soccer player or a business man, Frieberg wants to make a difference in peoples lives and his experiences and the life lessons he has learned at Drake will help him do just that.
Frieberg and the Bulldogs battle UNLV and San Diego State this weekend at the UNLV Rebel Classic in Las Vegas, Nev.
Spotlight on Luke Frieberg
Luke Frieberg is one of the Drake men's soccer senior captains this year for the 2007-08 season. As a captain he is ready to get this season started and make this year special for all his teammates. Look out for Frieberg in upcoming home games on September 28 against Oral Roberts and September 30 against Northern Illionois!
Name: Luke Frieberg
Major: Management and Finance with a concentration in Insurance
Year: Senior
From: Norwalk, Iowa
Nicknames: Free, Lucius
Favorite Player: Keith Gorczyca
Favorite Food: Country fried steak
Favorite Movie: Ocean's 11
Favorite Quote: "If not us, who? If not now, when?"
Favorite Band: Rush of Fools
Greatest Accomplishment: Mr. Soccer
Most Embarrassing Moment: ZIP-LINES
Favorite Sports Team: Drake Bulldogs
Favorite Movie Star: Brandon Routh
Favorite Restaurant: Tasy Tacos
Biggest Rival: Creighton
Hobbies: SAAC, hanging out with friends, video games, movies
Favorite Road Trip: It is going to be Las Vegas
What actor would play you in a movie: Hugh Laurie
What's your idea of a perfect date: Let's start with the date part.
Why did you choose Drake: Great combination of athletics and acedemics and my parents could easily come to my games.
What is the best thing about being a part of the Drake men's soccer team: The time with teammates both on and off the field.
Dream Job: Somewhere where I may have a positive impact on people's lives.
Luke is also the President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was chosen to speak at Drake's anual cornfeed to kick off the athletic season. Luke's speech was so powerful, we would like to share it with everyone.
Luke's Speech
