Loves to hit
Astro is one of approximately 30,000 diabetic service dogs in the country.
Photo by John Downey
The traumatic event led to changes in Luke's outlook and a more aggressive attention to detail in tackling and monitoring his diabetes. More research led them to Astro, one of approximately 30,000 diabetic service dogs in the country.
Adding to Luke's refocus on health was weight lifting. His brother Jake was a three-time All-American kicker at Upland and the state record holder for field goals with 39 (Westlake senior
Kevin Robledo broke that mark with No. 40 last week).
Jake, who kicked field goals of 57 and 58 yards as a freshman, was Luke's kicking idol. Being a competitive sort, younger brother needed an extra edge for kicking distance. So he hit the gym — hard.
"Plus I was called up to varsity late as a freshman and those guys were a lot bigger than me," Luke said. "I started just lifting more for body building stuff, but by my junior year I knew I needed more strength so I went to power lifting."

Luke attempts a field goal.
File photo by Carlo Montalbo
Beyond winning at least a couple of state power lifting competitions in the bench press, the activity also reminded Luke to keep his blood sugar at just the right levels.
"If you go too low, you lose your muscle," he said.
On the field, Luke made 7-of-11 field goals as a junior and has made his only attempt this season, a 30-yarder. He's also the team's punter and — his strength — and he also kicks off. Of his 181 career kickoffs, 112 have been touchbacks, which is both impressive and frustrating for Luke.
A former linebacker, he loves to tackle and has recorded eight of them in his career, one which forced a fumble against perennial national power Centennial (Corona).
It's safe to say returners aren't expecting the kicker or punter to be one of Upland's hardest hitters, but that's the case for one of California's top teams. Upland has gone 38-8 in the four years Luke has been on varsity. The Highlanders are 5-2 and are No. 17 in the state and 76th in the country according to the
MaxPreps Computer Rankings, presented by the Army National Guard.
Kickers are sometimes an afterthought on football teams. But with Luke — and Astro — walking the sideline and leading special teams, Upland always feels secure.
And, a little fuzzy.
"I think all kickers at times might feel a little left out or not appreciated," Luke said. "But I think the guys know that kicking and punting is a big part of the big picture and it can decide the outcome of a game."
Luke never loses sight of what a vital role Astro plays in his life.
"There are few living things I care more about in this world than him," Luke said. "He's with me no matter where I go."

Luke and Astro celebrate with teammates following a recent home victory.
Photo by John Downey