ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Lucas Drone

Windermere High School junior and wrestler Lucas Drone became recently a two-time champion of the Massung Scramble Tournament. Drone competed in the 134-pound category and improved his season record to 30-4. He also is serving as assistant coach when needed during meets, as his father, Windermere head wrestling coach Aaron Drone, is the sole coach of the team at the moment.

Talk to us about your years as a wrestler.
I learned the basics in middle school, and then freshman year I didn’t get to go to the states series, but my sophomore year I did. Then I made it to regionals, but I placed at every tournament I went to. I’ve been wrestling for six years. 

Why wrestling?
My dad got me into it because he wrestled in high school too. And then I’ve had several coaches. … This year, there was not a coach so he stepped in. 

What is your favorite move to perform?
The Knee Drop. It helps me get to my opponent’s legs faster. 

What do you love most about wrestling as a sport?
The camaraderie between my teammates and the experience of traveling around to different places I would not normally get to go. 

What do you believe wrestling has taught you not only on the mat but also outside of it?
I believe it’s taught me hard work and leadership. This year I’ve been voted in as captain so I’ve learned how to manage not only my personal life but also my wrestling team. 

What do you think makes you a unique wrestler on the mat?
I think sometimes it’s my creativity and my body manipulation skills to where I know how the body reacts and moves, so it helps me find different angles that other people may not see. 

Do you have a favorite professional wrestler that you like?
I would say Gabriel Stevenson, because even though he weighed 220 pounds in college, he was still able to do backflips and stuff (that I), at 134 pounds, can’t even do. 

What’s your favorite hobby?
Cooking and baking. I find it very therapeutic and also, since wrestling is so diet-controlling, I like to find healthy ways to make food that tastes good. 

What do you like to do on the weekends?
I like to get my homework out of the way and talk to friends or try to find ways to relax: reading or play video games. 

What are three things you would to a deserted island?
A fire starter, because you always need to be able to maybe boiled water for potable water or to keep yourself warm. A tarp for shelter, protection for the rain or even to collect rain water, and then rope maybe as a fire starter or to hang things up. 

What’s your favorite movie?
“Ready Player 1.” I like a lot of pop culture, so that movie brought in video games and movies from all over and put it into one big film.

Who’s your favorite superhero?
Swamp Thing.  ... It’s cool to see how he connects to nature but also, even though he is an anti-hero, he tries to do good for nature and also humanity.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Probably super intelligence because, if you are strong or fast, without the intelligence on how to use it, then it’s useless.So, if I was smart, I could just make myself strong or make myself faster. 

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
Australia, to see the different wildlife because I’m very big into wildlife. I would also like to see New Zealand for its grassy hills and its ocean tides. And then, probably, maybe Greece because of its rich history. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why?
I think I would go back to the 1980s, for the atmosphere and the movies that were coming out back at the time — (like) “Back to the Future.”

What color would you say represents you?
I would say maroon, which is my favorite, because I know it’s very dark but it has the aspect of red, that way I have a good balance between compassion and also leadership when I need it. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? 
A hawk — that way I can experience flying and also experience its speed and haunting capabilities. 

Where would you like to go to college? 
Notre Dame or maybe the University of Central Florida.