LAKEVILLE, IN. - In his younger years, Lucas Plummer enjoyed playing sports and making memories. The older Plummer got, the more his interest in sports increased and the more memories he began to make. Plummer has been selected as the 2024 Dale E. Cox Male Athlete of the Year. He participated in three sports - football, basketball and track and field - and finished with 12 varsity letters. "When I heard my name announced for the Dale E. Cox Athlete of the Year, I felt very honored to be chosen," said Plummer. We have a lot of great athletes in our grade." In the fall, Plummer could be seen under the 'Friday Night Lights' as part of the LaVille football team. He wore jersey #9. As fall turned into winter, Lucas could be found participating in 'Hoosier Hysteria" at gymnasiums like Dale E. Cox Gymnasium in Lakeville, Indiana. Then as the cold weather began to change and spring approached, Plummer transitioned to the "Great American Pastime' at LaVille High School baseball diamond. The 6-foot, 3-inch multi-sport athlete played quarterback, kicked point-after attempts, and punted for the Lancer football team. Plummer was one of six seniors that guided the Lancers to a LaVille football team record of 36-8 over the last four years. It is the best mark set by any 4-year class. LHS played in a competitive Hoosier North Athletic Conference since 2015 and over the last four years, Plummer helped guide the Lancers to a 21-4 HNAC record, a pair of runner-up finishes, and the 2022 conference title. Not only did LaVille run the table at 7-0 in loop play, LHS also concluded the 2022 season with a 9-0 mark to close with its first undefeated regular season in their 59-year history. "Winning conference and going undefeated in the same season," Plummer said when asked about a memorable moment on the gridiron. "Also winning sectionals twice in my four years, All-State punter 3x, All-Conference, and winning the Griddy award. Lastly, setting multiple school records." During his senior season, Plummer set the school-record with a 47-yard field goal on September 15 at Caston and he was recognized as the Indiana small-school state punter of the year. He was a three-way player, earning Hoosier North Athletic Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year after passing for 1,086 yards and 13 touchdowns to go with 529 rushing yards and four scores. On defense, he helped with 48 tackles and one interception. In the kicking game, Plummer averaged 39 yards per punt, connected on 28 of 34 PAT attempts, along with establishing the new field goal record. Along the way, Lucas moved to the top of two other football marks, tossing 45 career touchdown passes and tying the record with four touchdown passes in a game. Plummer joined the top five in nine of 15 categories. Postseason accolades followed a fine senior season that included a trip to the Griddy's in Indianapolis. The Griddys are also known as The Oscars and the ESPY's of Indiana High School football! Plummer received his Griddy for the best small-school punter in Indiana after averaging a shade over 39 yards per punt in 2023. "When I got called up to receive my award I felt very honored to be in a room filled with other great athletes," explained Plummer. "I am very appreciative that my family was there to support me throughout my recognition." As football season turned to basketball season in November, Plummer ran the offense as the point-guard for coach Michael Edison's team. He was a triple threat, with the ability to connect from beyond the arc, the quickness to take the ball to the basket and the size to battle for a rebound. His career-high was a 22-point performance against Hebron on February 28, 2023. Plummer also concluded his career with 683 points and a spot in the top 20 scorers of all-time. "My favorite memory in basketball was definitely winning Bi-County last year," said the Purdue-bound Lancer. "Also earning all-conference this year." Finally, as the lengthy basketball season comes to a close, baseball season likens to warmer weather and the chance to get back outside. Plummer was a pitcher and infielder for coach Brian Lawler's club. He finished his career with a 2.38 career earned run average and 259 strikeouts. At the plate, Plummer was a consistent hitter, collecting a .342 career batting average, including 14 doubles, 10 triples, and a home run. That home run will be memorable for Plummer. The long ball came against Caston during a 15-1 HNAC victory on May 17, 2022. "Some of my favorite baseball memories were hitting my first home run ever and throwing multiple no-hitters," recalled Plummer. "Also earning all-conference in all of my years playing." The lanky Lancer also was selected the 2024 Hoosier North most valuable player. "Sports have always been my favorite hobby," noted Plummer. "I grew up playing many different sports and as I got older I became more and more involved in them." In addition to being a student-athlete, Lucas participated in National Honor Society, DECA, Art Club, HNAC Student Leadership, and Unified Basketball. As we closed our time, Plummer pondered questions about what it was like putting on the LaVille uniform, advice to younger students, and any final thoughts he has about Lancer Nation. "It has meant a lot to put a LaVille uniform on these last four years because I am able to represent not only my school, but my family, and anyone who has supported me throughout those years," said Plummer, who plans to attend Purdue University in the fall to study business. "It's sad to think that it's all over but I am happy that any of it happened, I enjoyed it while it lasted. The only thing I have to say to the younger kids is enjoy it while you can because it goes by super fast. I remember the older kids used to tell me that but I never believed them, but now I do. Lastly I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me in all of my sports. I appreciate everyone very much." Congratulations, Lucas!