Story and Photos by Rusty Ellis
Cookeville senior golfer Luke Caldwell took the next step in his athletic journey on Friday, as he signed his national letter of intent to play gold at UT-Martin.
“It’s been kind of a burden, just making sure I get college figured out,” Caldwell said. “I’m really excited…it’s a pretty stressful process. It’s kind of extra pressure you put on yourself every time you go play. (I’m) glad it all worked out, and I’m really excited about going to UT-Martin.”
Caldwell says it was the environment that the Skyhawk athletic program provided that led to his decision.
“I was really drawn to their atmosphere among their team and their coach,”Caldwell said. “They have a great coach down there, he started last year…I’m just really excited to get the ball rolling with them.”
His high school coach has nothing but positive things to say about the senior, as he’s played a big role on the team since he first arrived at CHS.
“It’s going to be a big loss for us,” said CHS head coach Larry Pitts. “He’s done nothing, but work hard the entire time. He sets goals, and he goes after his goals and he doesn’t give up until he reaches them…it’s a big moment for him, as far as moving on to the next step.”
And as far as what UT-Martin is getting in Luke Caldwell, Pitts says they have no idea how lucky they truly are.
“They know he’s a good player, but Luke is the kind of guy that encourages other,” Pitts said. “I sat my top five guys down once this year, and Luke had played good…they weren’t in the match the next day. Luke came out and supported his teammate. To watch them and encourage them, he does that all the time. He may have a good day, but he wants everyone to have a good day.”
