The Times Athlete of the Week: Ottawa’s Luke Cushing fueling up with Jimmy John’s, aiming for regional title

It was a relatively quiet week in voting for The Times Athlete of the Week, but of the 139 votes cast over 60% of them were cast for this week’s winner, Ottawa boys basketball’s Luke Cushing.

The Pirates’ senior leader posted 22 points last Friday as Ottawa snapped a 10-game Kaneland winning streak, this after tallying 16 points in an Interstate Eight Conference road win at Sandwich to open the week.

Also on the ballot were runner-up Zach Pfiefer (Seneca boys basketball), Christian Benning (Streator boys basketball) and Joe Ovanic (Cav Co-Op boys swimming).

Next week’s ballot will be online Sunday, with voting open through midday Wednesday.

Here is a Q&A with this week’s winner:

After a slow start, it seems as if the team has really hit its stride the past month and a half or so. What’s been the difference?

We have really come to together and been playing like a team.

Do you have any nicknames?

Cush

Who have been the most influential coaches in your life?

Mark Cooper, Bob Bartman, Mike Cooper and Tyler Wargo.

How would you describe yourself as a basketball player?

I would describe myself as being well-rounded. I enjoy playing at both ends of the floor.

What is your process for getting ready – mentally and physically – for a big game?

Before I get ready for a big game and really every game, I eat Jimmy John’s before I go to the gym. Once I am there, I stretch and like to get shots up.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Math.

Only one can stay: wings or pizza? Who around has the best?

Wings and Skoog’s.

What goals do you and your teammates have down the stretch of the season?

We would like to win the [Interstate Eight] Conference championship and win regionals.

What are your plans after graduation? Do they involve sports?

I plan to attend a four-year university and possibly play baseball.