KING — West Stokes’ offensive lineman Luke Whitt became the school’s first North Carolina Shrine Bowl team member and only the second in the history of Stokes County football. The team was announced on the Shrine Bowl of the Carolina Instagram account on Sunday. Whitt was one of eight offensive linemen to make the team.
North Stokes’ Greg Hill was the first Stokes County player being selected to the 1970 team before enjoying a career at Notre Dame University.
Whitt joins his brother Sam Whitt (East Surry), a 2021 team member, in the exclusive club.
“It’s very humbling and exciting,” said Luke. “It’s also really special to be in a family where me and my brother both were selections.
“I am super excited and blessed with the opportunity to play in such a prestigious game and represent my family, high school program, our county, and state. It took countless hours of work to make myself a better player. It’s the work that nobody ever sees that I do on my own, away from normal team activities.
“I’m also very blessed to play for who I think is the best head coach (Trent Lowman) and offensive line coach (Steve Whitt) in the state of North Carolina. I have been pushed by my wonderful teammates who demand more out of me, the same way I do them.”
The shrine bowl selection was extensive which included four combines that were held in various regions throughout the state. The shrine bowl coaches were present and worked with and observed all attendees. After the combines, the coaches selected 90-100 players throughout the state to attend an invite only practice in July at Eastern Guilford High School. From there the coaches picked the 44 man roster for the game that will be played in December against South Carolina.
Whitt attended the Greensboro combine that was held at Page High School in April. He had a good day and impressed enough to be named the offensive lineman most valuable player.
West Stokes’ football coach Trent Lowman was selected to the 2000 Shrine Bowl team from Bandys High School and has now coached four players to the prestigious game, Jefferson Boaz (East Surry) 2019, Sam Whitt (East Surry) 2021, Kole Pruitt (East Surry) 2022, and now Luke Whitt (West Stokes) 2024.
“It’s definitely a huge honor to be selected,” noted Lowman. “When you think about how many seniors play football, and to be selected after hours of film study, combines, and a call-back practice, it speaks volumes to the caliber player Luke is and just how special it is to be chosen.
“I’m sure many things have changed since I was chosen and selected 24 years ago, but much is also the same. It was great then to know you were selected, but I really think it brings me even more joy when one of my players are chosen. I know it’s extremely special for the Whitt family to have both Sam and Luke selected as Shrine Bowl offensive linemen, and for Steve to be and have been both offensive lineman’s position coach.”
Steve Whitt and wife Laura were over joyed and beyond proud of their son Luke and his accomplishments.
“Luke has always been a student of the game since he was a little guy, said Steve. “He loves everything about it. Throughout his football career he has seen a lot of change and embraced every new position. He transitioned from a little skill guy back in little league and middle school to an offensive lineman by the time he entered high school. He embraced being an offensive lineman like his big brother was and set goals and dreams that I’m proud to say, he is accomplishing. As parents, we are proud that he has the opportunity to represent our family and our community on such a big stage.
“As parents, it is really special for us to see both our sons selected to the NC Shrine Bowl. That is something they can share for the rest of their lives.”
Whitt also added his perspective from being Luke’s position coach.
“As his coach, I am excited for Luke, our program, our school, and our community. This game is one with a deep and rich history nationwide and the list of young men who have played this game through the years is full of some of the best players in our state’s history.
“Luke does things the right way and has earned everything he is getting through hard work and determination. The countless hours he’s spent making himself bigger and stronger, studying film, and doing skill work outside of called practices is a testament to his drive and character”.
The Shrine Bowl game will be held at Spartanburg High School in South Carolina on Dec. 21, 2024.
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