Class of 1968

Cross Country and Track & Field

Joe is the very first individual State Champion in Churchill history having won in Cross Country in 1967. Later that year he went on to win the state title in the 2 Mile event during the outdoor track season. Following his time at Churchill, Joe became the 1972 NCAA champion in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 8:30.2 in Eugene, Ore. At the time, it was the fourth-fastest time ever by an American. Also: "Lucas, a former wrestler who could not break 4:35 as a high school miler, ran the third fastest 3,000‐meter steeplechase in the world that year enroute to the National Collegiate title." Joe went to the Olympic trials that year and was ranked in the top 10 in the country in the event in 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975.