Sixth in a series of stories highlighting the academic, community and personal achievements of University of Toledo student-athletes.
 
By Steve Easton, Associate Athletic Communications Director
 
TOLEDO, Ohio - When Lukas Clark was looking for a new home to finish his college golf career, he was searching for a school where he could be a leader and a key contributor to his team's success. He found that at The University of Toledo.
 
"I have worked hard for all my life, and I just wanted to give myself an opportunity," said Clark, who graduated with a degree in hospitality management from Penn State last spring. "I love helping other guys and I love playing golf. I'm very thankful to get the opportunity to come here with a young team that was willing to listen to me."
 
Fortunately for Clark, Toledo Head Coach Jeff Roope had a similar objective when he was scouring the transfer portal.
 
"When I started recruiting Lukas, I learned about his passion to continue playing college golf and his desire to make a valuable contribution at a new university," Roope said. "I also knew what we needed as a team. I was looking to add someone with a desire to lead and a desire for success. I communicated that very frankly to Lukas and let there be no doubt that we wanted to add someone who was willing to take on that leadership role."

It has turned out to be a perfect match. Clark has embraced his new role as elder statesman on the team.
 
"I think I was a good teammate at Penn State, and I really wanted to take what I learned when I was young and help the young guys on our team," the Holland, Pa. native said. "I think I have been able to teach them some of the things I learned in the past which has made us a better team."
 
Clark believes one area he has made an impact is helping his teammates maintain focus during practice and competition, which is something he learned during his days as a Nittany Lion.
 
"I think being more mature on the golf course is something most guys can improve on," Clark said. "I know when I was a freshman and sophomore it was very easy to kind of be stuck in your own head. It's all a part of growing up.
 
"It's easy to get distracted in college, so I've tried to keep everyone on track to the best of my ability. We do have a lot of fun playing our favorite sport, but I want to remind guys that when we have six hours on the golf course that we need to use those six hours wisely."
 
Sophomore Barend Botha said Clark has been helpful to him and his Rocket teammates, on and off the course.
 
"Lukas is a very good teammate," the 2020-21 Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year said. "He's very positive and someone that motivates guys to put in the work in practice. He's always there to talk to guys if they they're not happy or struggling with something. He gives good advice and tries to make you feel better."
 
Roope echoed Botha's sentiments.

"Lukas is someone who listens to teammates, and he's been a leader from Day One in different ways," the Rockets' fifth-year head coach said. "He has led by example and works hard on the course, he practices with purpose and doesn't back down from challenges."
 
That work ethic has helped Clark post a career-low 72.7 stroke average and shoot 10 rounds of par or better this season. He also played a part in the Rockets setting a school tournament record with a 22-under par 842 at the Quail Valley Collegiate Invitational last October.
 
Clark has been just as focused in the classroom, posting a 3.667 grade-point average in his graduate-level courses in finance and accounting. He received his undergraduate degree at Penn State in hospitality management and believes what he's learning at UToledo will help him as he ventures into a career in real estate development within the tourism industry.
 
"I've learned quite a bit in all my classes, especially in one of my accounting classes," Clark said. "I've learned 50 formulas using Microsoft Excel software that will help work with the company my dad owns back home. Learning how these formulas work will help save time and is something that will benefit me down the road."
 
Another opportunity Clark is receiving is a chance to meet former Rockets. He said he has met alumni both in Toledo and throughout the Rockets' travels this season that could prove beneficial in his future endeavors.
 
"Coach Roope has done a great job introducing us to former players," Clark said. "We have had a chance to network with a lot of different people and I've really enjoyed that."
 
Roope feels that networking could also benefit his program as potential transfer students take note of Clark's impact with the program.
 
Said Roope, "I'd like to think the success that Lukas has had at Toledo will serve as a shining example of what a student-athlete who might be looking for a second-home in the transfer portal might find at Toledo."

PREVIOUS STORIES
March 15 - Nick Rosi Follows His Parents' Footsteps into the Healthcare Field
March 28 - JT Shumate: Scoring Points on the Court and Impacing Lives in the Classroom
March 31 - Lou Trois Dedicates Herself to the Memory of Her Late Mother 
April 4 - Jamal Hines Found His Path Thanks to Sports (and His Mom)
April 8 - Claire Cahalan Makes Her Pitch for Law School