Brothers Lawton and Luke Rowan support each other both on and off the mat. Throughout high school they have wrestled by each other’s side.
Lawton was the first to wrestle in their family and Luke was soon to follow. Lawton started wrestling in 7th grade. After watching him from the sidelines, Luke began wrestling the next year. Last year, they both competed at the state meet. Now, they both wrestle for the varsity team. They get to work and train with each other everyday.
“We’re both struggling the same and going through the same pain,” Luke said. “We both go through the same workouts and practice.”
While the brothers share a love for wrestling, they have a different approach to how they train. Lawton is more flexible to how they workout and Luke prefers a more scheduled approach.
“He’s very steadfast and makes sure that he gets what he wants, which is a great quality that I really admire about him,” Lawton said. “He and I are very different people.”
As a senior, this is Lawton’s last year of wrestling with Luke. After wrestling together for four years, they have both gained valuable lessons from each other. Luke has taught Lawton how to use criticism to improve his skills. Lawton praises his brother for teaching him and helping him strengthen his wrestling tactics.
“I’ve really been able to learn from him, which has been really weird, because he’s my little brother,” Lawton said. “He’s probably taught me a lot more than I’ve taught him in the past few years, and he pushes me more than anyone.”
Head wrestling coach Roger Stewart has seen the boys grow their relationship through the wrestling program. Stewart has created a friendship with the Rowan’s and gives credit to their mom for creating this bond between them.
“Their mother watches over them from the stands during competition, smiling as the boys bond over their shared sport,” Stewart said. “As a coach, I cherish that moment seeing their brotherhood.”
Lawton and Luke have enjoyed wrestling and playing varsity football together. Playing two sports together has resulted in them bonding over shared passions.
“It’s absolutely incredible,” Luke said. “When you have a buddy next to you that is going through everything that you’re going through, it makes it pretty easy.”
