Saint Peter Public Schools

Saint Peter High School senior Luke Banks has already made his mark on the track and field record books and will finish his Saints’ career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in any sport. Banks, a four-time state medal winner in track and field, will have his eyes on two more medals at this week’s Minnesota State Class AA Track & Field meet. The state meet is Wednesday, June 11, and Thursday, June 12, at St. Michael-Albertville High School.

Banks burst onto the scene his freshman year as he steadily improved in the throwing events throughout the spring of 2022. He ended up placing fourth at state that year which helped spark the Saints to their first-ever state team championship in boys track. Banks moved up two spots the following two years, placing second in the discus at state in 2023 and 2024, and tacked on a seventh-place finish in the shot put last year as well. All of this is on top of becoming the Saints’ all-time top thrower in both events, surpassing former Saints’ track legend Ric Lager, who held those marks for nearly 50 years.

“It’s been such a positive ride coaching Luke these past three years, and it’s one you really don’t ever anticipate when you get into coaching,” Bill Braunger, Saints’ assistant track coach/throws coach, said. “He works so hard every day and I’m constantly using him as an example for what can happen when you work hard, warm up properly, and put in the preparation not just on the day of a meet.” 

This year, Banks hopes to go out in style as he makes his fourth consecutive trip to the state.

After that he’ll be taking his talents to the University of Notre Dame (South Bend, IN) this fall where he will be a part of the Fighting Irish’s men’s track and field program as a scholarship student-athlete. He will throw the discus and shot put for the Irish and will also try his hand at the hammer throw as well.

The following is a Q&A profile with SPHS senior Luke Banks as he prepares for the 2025 state meet and reflects back on his stellar career representing St. Peter:

How does this year's upcoming state tourney trip compare with the other three years? This year is especially meaningful since it's my senior year. Every season has been unique, but I’m coming into this one with a lot of state-level experience, just not at full strength. Due to ligament tears in my wrist (in my throwing hand), I’ve had to approach this season differently. I chose to delay surgery until this summer so I could compete during my senior season and have a chance to compete in the state meet.  With that in mind, I’m grateful to still be throwing at this point in the season and to be competing at the state meet.  

What are your goals for the state meet in 2025? I want to finish on the highest note possible. Class 2AA is extremely competitive, and I expect to see a lot of personal bests at the state meet. My goal is to focus on having the best practices and weight training sessions I can leading up to the meet, and to control the things that are within my power. If I can hit the right positions and execute strong throws, I believe the results will take care of themselves.

What is it you enjoy most about the discus and shot put? I enjoy the pursuit of perfection in the movements.  Striving for the perfect day, perfect wind, perfect cues, and ultimately, the perfect throw. I appreciate the independence that comes with competing and training, knowing that my success is largely in my own hands. At the same time, I love being surrounded by my laid-back teammates who provide encouragement and motivation. I also really enjoy competing at meets and the chance to connect with throwers from other schools.  Throwers are just genuinely great people.

What influenced you into choosing those events to compete in during your career? My dad threw those same events back in his day and was really good at them, so I wanted to give them a try. In 7th grade, the track season was canceled because of COVID, so I didn’t start throwing until 8th grade. Right away, I really liked the discus, it just clicked for me.

The Saints' throwers seem like a really close group. What is it about that relationship with your teammates that makes it special?  Yes, we’re definitely a tight-knit group. We all get along really well and have a lot of fun together, both at practice and during meets. Since throwers train separately from the rest of the track team, we spend a lot of time together and have built a strong bond. Over my four years in high school, the throws have consistently been strong, which has made the experience even more enjoyable. 

When do you leave for your freshman year at the University of Notre Dame?  Freshman Orientation begins on Friday, August 22 and continues through the weekend. Classes officially start on Monday, August 25.

What do you plan to study in college? I plan to study business in college. I’ve been accepted into the Mendoza College of Business, and while I haven’t decided on a specific major yet, I’m considering Finance, Business Analytics, or possibly a dual major in Business and Computer Science.