MEMORABLE CAREER: Robertson finishes high school run with 153 wins, two state medals

Senior Luscas Robertson has closed his chapter at Poplar Bluff High School as he recently wrestled his final match for the Mules.

Robertson ends his career with 153 wins, two state medals, a SEMO Conference championship, a district championship, a three-time state qualifier and two-time state medalist. He is also in rare company as he is only the second male in 50 years of Poplar Bluff wrestling to be a two-time state medalist.

After falling short of a top spot on the podium at the recently-completed MSHSAA Class 4 state championships, Robertson finished strong and placed fifth overall. Despite not bringing home the top medal, he still managed to be grateful for his impact as a Mule.

“Honestly, I am a little disappointed in how the state championship turned out,” Robertson said. “Regardless of the outcome, I had a great career, and I’m proud of what I’ve done altogether.”

Robertson’s first introduction to wrestling came from a family member at a young age, and it quickly became a fun hobby. Little did he know wrestling would become a lifelong passion.

“In the beginning, wrestling was just another sport that I did because I played many,” Robertson said. “Through the years, I just started to fall in love with it more and more. Then, I ended up quitting other sports to focus more on wrestling.”

Poplar Bluff coach Kelton Thompson had the pleasure of training Robertson for the last four years, and he’s had the opportunity to watch him grow as a player and a person.

“Lucas is the ultimate competitor, and he’s an even better young man,” Thompson said. “There was never any hard coaching with Lucas because he always went above and beyond the minimum expectations. Most of our interactions were easy conversations because he understands wrestling at such a high level.”

He has enjoyed watching Robertson evolve into a solid wrestler, and while being a high-level athlete, Thompson said he was incredibly coachable and humble. Not only was Robertson a good wrestler, but he often took young wrestlers under his wing to help them develop on the mat, showing his leadership traits.

As Robertson moves on from the Mules, being around his teammates and learning from his coaches will be his best memories.

“Being a part of this team has definitely taught me a lot about hard work and discipline,” Robertson said. “I’m truly going to miss going to practice and sharing laughs with those guys.”

As of now, Robertson is currently undecided about his career in wrestling. He plans to attend Mizzou, and if there’s a possibility of him wrestling again, he will be ready to go.

“I do know if he decides to wrestle, he has the ability to develop into an extremely good collegiate athlete with his combination of physical ability and high wrestling IQ,” Thompson said. “Coaching him over the past four years has been a great honor. His contributions to the program have been incredible from a statistical and character standpoint. I am confident that he will go on to do big things in life.”