There’s nothing worse than waking up bright and early at 6 a.m. and realizing you have to go to school to work out for an hour. You sit there and pity your existence the 20 minutes it takes you to go to school, before reluctantly getting out of your car to walk through the metal detectors.
You question dropping out for the 50th time that year, before you literally feel soccer coach Luke Gorney sprinting past you with a weighted backpack and 45 Ib. weights in both hands. You feel like you’re dreaming as you watch him round the corner until you realize that this is just the beginning.
On top of his early morning meander, he’s also going to join you in your weight room max out. Somehow, no matter where or when, Coach Gorney always has energy. Whether it be in the weight room, on the field or the classroom, Coach Gorney always shows up.
You can feel Coach’s enthusiasm in everything he does, especially if it has something to do with the Army. His military experience is something that really shines through, specifically when it’s one mile into your three-mile workout and the only thing you can focus on are the Army chants ringing in your ears from the speaker he’s carrying.
Despite his intimidating aura, Coach Gorney is one of the most genuine, dependable people I know. You can tell he actually cares about everything he does simply by how passionate he is. The way Coach Gorney lives his life is inspiring – not enough to join him in his workout, but inspiring nonetheless.
** This story is part of a Teacher Appreciation series where students write about a staff member who has had a significant impact on them during high school.
