Athlete
Luke Pinkelman paved the way for several successful seasons by the Cozad football and track teams. In the throwing rings, Pinkelman qualified for the state track meet in the shot put and discus all four years, winning five Class B gold medals and three all-class gold medals. As a senior, he set the state-meet record in the shot put with a throw of 63 feet, 7 1/2 inches. He also won gold medals at the Kansas Relays and the Golden West Invitational in California. On the football field, Pinkelman started in the Haymakers’ offensive line all four years, earning all-state honors starting his sophomore season. He started his collegiate career throwing for the Iowa State Cyclones before transferring to Nebraska after his freshman year. He was a three-time All-American and a champion in the Big 12 and Big Ten indoor meets.
