Mehringer strikes back

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By Brittany Brownrigg, April 29, 2010

Baseball has been in Mehringer’s life since he was three years old and since that time it has opened doors of opportunity, challenged him and enabled him to achieve great success.

 

Baseball first entered Mehringer’s life in his backyard with his father – Alan – and his older brother — Todd. Both his father and brother were heavily involved in the sport when Mehringer was younger. His brother played first base, while his father coached.

 

With his father as his coach the entire way through little league Mehringer, said he had not only had a wonderful father figure in his life, but also a great coach. He credits his mental toughness and outlook, something that has been key to his success, to his father and brother.

 

“[Having my father and brother in the sport] has taught me a lot about the game and about life,” Mehringer said. “Controlling what you can control and mentally being prepared to handle whatever comes your way [are some of the things I’ve learned].”

 

The true challenges and opportunities began throughout Mehringer’s career at Jasper High School. He was a three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball and baseball. He started playing baseball at the varsity level when he was just a sophomore.

 

His senior year was full of highs and lows. In the fall of his senior year, Mehringer injured his knee playing football and then went on to face arm trouble in the spring. He fought through his injuries and was able to pitch in four games his senior year.

 

The Wildcats went 34-1 that season and claimed the state title. Mehringer was able to pitch in the championship game helping his team to victory. He credits this successful season to the type of team that Jasper had that year.

 

“It was pretty cool,” Mehringer said. “Everybody was friends and everyone got along and was into it as a team. The team aspect is what really gets me. Senior year was pretty fun.”

Throughout his senior year, Mehringer looked at colleges that would allow him to continue to play baseball, despite his injuries. Through this process, Mehringer found Franklin and knew that it was where he wanted to be.

 

Mehringer came to a baseball game at Franklin as a high school student and said that everyone was laid back and having fun, which is exactly what he was looking for.

“Right before the game two guys were in front of the dugout throwing a football,” Mehringer said. “I didn’t know what they were doing, but they were having fun with it. It was kind of cool. Other places I visited weren’t as comfortable for me, [but] this has been a really good fit.”

 

Throughout his freshman and sophomore seasons at Franklin, Mehringer faced more injuries. He once more had to rely on his mental toughness and past experiences to get through his injuries.

 

“That’s probably one of my strong things is my mental toughness,” he said. “Some things just happen and you have to learn from it and move on.”

 

Head coach Lance Marshall said Mehringer has had to be strong throughout his time at Franklin in order to fight through his challenges.

 

“He’s had two major injuries here,” Marshall said. “He doesn’t get flustered. He’s tough and he’s a competitor and he wants to be on the field.”

 

Mehringer said he is most proud of making a comeback last year, his junior year, following his injuries.

 

Last season was a great one for the Grizzlies. They won the HCAC title going 31-11 and were one game away from going to the national tournament.

 

This year, the Grizzlies are looking to carry out back-to-back successful seasons.

“We have to play to win the conference tournament,” Mehringer said.

 

Franklin is currently No. 1 in the conference at 21-10 (11-4 HCAC). Mehringer said team goals include being first in conference and making it to the national tournament.

 

Marshall said Mehringer is an all-around great athlete, which will help the Grizzlies in the last games of the season.

 

“He’s got the whole package,” Marshall said. “He’s mentally tough and physically strong.”

Junior teammate and co-captain Ian Sanders said Mehringer contributes to the team as a fellow co-captain and leader.

 

“Luke is a vocal leader … and is big on encouragement,” Sanders said.

 

While Mehringer said he has learned from baseball, Sanders said he has learned from Mehringer.

 

“He has taught me a lot about the game,” Sanders said. “Luke has taught me to enjoy the game like no one else has.”

 

Following the season, Mehringer will graduate from Franklin with a degree in athletic training. He is then headed to Auburn University where he will be attending graduate school and holding a graduate assistant position with the Auburn track and field team.

“He’s going to be able to understand both sides [of being a trainer and athlete] on a level that not everyone will be able to,” Marshall said.

 

Thanks to athletic training, Mehringer will continue to have athletics as part of his life even after he is done competing. He said lessons like having confidence, mental and physical toughness, giving his best to all he does and trusting people are ones that he has learned through athletics and will remain with him.

 

After fighting injuries throughout the years, Mehringer said he will enjoy the game while he can and not focus on the end at the moment.

 

“Play as long as you can,” Mehringer said. “This is probably my last go round. It is what it is, but we’re making the most of it. I’m sure when it’s all said and done I’ll sit down and realize that this is it, but for now I’m just going to keep on playing.”