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Diamond In The Rough: Colleyville Heritage star QB, Luke Ullrich, preps for a new chapter
A star was born at Colleyville Heritage the moment quarterback Luke Ullrich stepped onto the field for his first start in a varsity uniform during his sophomore season. With continued dedication to his craft and the drive to always stay ahead of the competition, Ullrich quickly became one of the top quarterbacks in the area. VYPE DFW got a chance to catch up with Ullrich following the conclusion of his senior season with the Colleyville Heritage Panthers football program. Check out the exclusive interview now!
During his time with Colleyville Heritage, Ullrich has put up quite the stat line. Throughout his career, this 5'10 athlete has seen every angle of the ball while recording stats that would easily draw attention from all corners of the country. Ullrich has recorded 343 passes (in 539 attempts) for 4,741 passing yards and 53 passing touchdowns, 251 carries for 1,682 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns, and 56 catches for 916 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. His senior season accounted for 206/310 pass completions, 3,099 passing yards, 39 passing touchdowns, 112 carries, 1,085 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns while leading his team to a 12-2 overall record (7-0 in district play) and the quarterfinal round of the UIL Class 5A D2 playoffs.
An all-around athlete, Ullrich has earned honors like First Team All-District WR and First Team All-District QB with Colleyville Heritage. Recording a 4.5 0-yard dash and a 10.5 4x1 split with a 35-inch vertical, there is no doubt that Ullrich shows up to practice and games ready to compete. Check out VYPE's exclusive interview with Ullrich now:
You've had quite the career with Colleyville Heritage. What, in your opinion, has been the secret to your success?
"I've gone through a lot of adversity and I feel like I came out stronger and am more able to go through hard times. That prepared me for every game I have played."
Are you committed to a college program? If not, what are you looking for?
"I'm not committed. I'm looking for wherever I feel is best for me and I think that's just a prompting I get from god as well as something to pray about."
What is the best thing you can offer a college program?
"I know I can offer a college my all. Everything every day. I can build relations and get the team closer. I will also find every way in me to win, every play; bouncing back after things don't go my way."
What would you say is your biggest strength?
"My biggest strengths would be leadership and perseverance. I pride myself on being both of these things and these help win football games."
What has been your favorite memory playing at Colleyville Heritage?
"My favorite memories here are the relationships I built with my teammates and all the times they make me laugh; whether it was on the bus, during practice, or pregame."
What are your goals for the offseason?
"My goals are to continue to get better at my craft and become bigger, faster, and stronger."
What do you do to stay ahead of the competition?
"I give every single rep my full effort. That's something that not a lot of people do."
Do you have a pregame routine that you stick to?
"My pregame routine looks very similar to my everyday. I try to treat the game as a normal day, but for the games, I like to wear long sleeves, even when it's hot."
What, in your opinion, has been the secret to your team's success?
"The secret to my team's success is our brotherhood. We love each other and are able to give constructive criticism without being mean to each other. We are competitive and learn every day."
Who do you look up to and why?
"I look up to my dad and mom. They have taught me what I know and I love them."
If there is one legacy you can leave at Colleyville Heritage, what do you hope it is?
"If I left a legacy on Colleyville Heritage, I hope it's my passion. Passion can not be coached, it has to come from within! I feel like I want to win more than anyone and the only one who is going to stop that is me!"
A true leader who will give his all to any college program, Ullrich is dedicated and determined throughout every moment. Always looking toward the next opportunity, it's easy to see that Ullrich takes his passion for the game seriously and will do so as he helps lead his teammates at the next level. Be sure to keep your eyes on this athlete as he continues to make a name for himself on and off the field.
STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Colleyville Heritage looks toward Liberty Hill
Last season, the Colleyville Heritage Lady Panthers played in the program's first-ever state tournament appearance. Taking the court by storm, the team secured a title victory to seal their season in the most perfect way possible. This season, the team is back on the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball and ready to give their opponents a run for their money. Friday morning features a UIL Class 5A Semifinal pairing between Colleyville Heritage and Liberty Hill. VYPE DFW dives right into the Lady Panthers' season and what fans can expect:
Regular Season Play
Despite losing their opening match of the season to Southlake Carroll, the team was geared up and ready to bounce right back going for a nine-game win streak over Midlothian, Hereford, Midland Legacy, Paschal, Tascosa, and others. Through non-district play, the Lady Panthers faced off against tough teams who were sure to challenge them and prepare them for the road back to state. Sharpening their skills, the team posted victories over Frisco Liberty, Frisco Wakeland, Dawson, Hebron San Antonio Reagan, Prosper (who is playing in their own semifinal on Friday as well), and others before marching into district play.
Led by the determination and grit of athletes Suli Ane Davis, Maddie Bird, Audrey Popp, Onita Davis, Sarah Mendoza, Amagine Gardner, and others, the team faced down their district schedule without batting an eye. Despite two losses in district play, Colleyville Heritage posted a 12-2 district record and finished second in their district standings-- just behind a hard-to-beat Argyle team. Tough district victories were seen against Grapevine (3-0), Denton (3-2), Richland (3-0), Lake Dallas (3-0), Denton Ryan (3-0)m and more en route to the playoffs.
Playoffs So Far
Knowing they had to enter the playoffs with intensity, sureness, and a mental focus, the Lady Panthers looked toward Midlothian Heritage for their first round. Posting a a 3-0 victory was enough for Colleyville Heritage to know that they had everything it took to fight all the way to the finish through the rest of the playoffs. The team went on to defeat Aledo (3-1), Tascosa (3-0), and sealed their entry to the state tournament with a sweep over Argyle. Entering the state tournament on a 13-game win streak and having outscored their opponents by a combined 65 sets, Colleyville Heritage is more than prepared to take on a tough Liberty Hill team.
What To Expect
Liberty Hill (45-8, 13-1) is not a team that is going to be taken down without a fight. Led by tough athletes like Taylor Gaines, Kealy Dirner, Giovanna Mason, Ava Kostroun, and more, Colleyville Heritage is going to want to be sure to remain vigilant on the court at all times throughout the semifinals. Appearing in their fifth state tournament, Liberty Hill is no stranger to doing their job and doing it well.
Fans can expect a high-energy matchup on Friday morning. With athletes who are tremendous in their own right on each side of the net, this game is going to come down to the wire through each set. Be sure you catch all the action. The match is set to begin at 11 a.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas.