One Bear senior football player will be continuing his playing career beyond 2019. West Branch all-state football player, Tanner Lukavsky, will accept a preferred walk-on offer and attend Iowa State University.

A four-year starter, Lukavsky has been an integral part of the Bear success over the past four seasons. Back to back 1000 yard rushing seasons, and a ball hawk at his linebacker position, he caught the eye of the staff in Ames early on.

"Tanner is a very versatile athlete who can play both sides of the football." Says Bear Head Coach Butch Pedersen.

He feels Lukavsky can make a significant impact on special teams.

"Tanner is also an excellent long snapper and good punter. The sky's the limit for this young man."

A preferred walk-on is given the same practice and offseason schedule as a scholarship athlete once they arrive on campus. That includes training camp.

His father Josh, who serves as Bear freshman-sophomore offensive coordinator, is full if pride and excitement. 

"His mother and I are extremely proud. It's a perfect example of a kid who doesn't specialize in one sport."

When the younger Lukavsky was a teenager, the family would drive back and forth to Waterloo most weekends to play basketball. He also participates in track. Sooner or later, though, his talent would be noticed on the gridiron. 

"A bit of resiliency was needed after he injured his shoulder his junior season...but he kept grinding."

Best wishes to Tanner and his teammates as they begin play in the 2019 IHSAA 1A playoffs on November 1.