Lucas “Loopis” Bartz

Senior

Football/Baseball

Allegan, Mich.

Accounting

My man, Loopis! Now, aside from athletics, why choose SHU?

“Obviously, the athletics was a huge plus, but besides that, all I can say is it felt right. I wanted a small school where I could excel in the classroom and have fun on the field. I had visited other schools, and SHU was my last visit. Midway through my visit, I just looked at my mom and said ‘This is the place. This feels right.’ I’ve never second guessed the decision since.”

Being a two-sport athlete, as well as an accomplished student can’t be an easy task. How in the world do you do it?

“No, it’s not necessarily easy, but it’s definitely doable. I’ve always been a busy guy, balancing school and sports since I was young. My parents always told me school came first, and since then, I have always just kept that in mind. As sad as it is, I’m not going to the MLB or NFL, so I had to make sure my degree was something that would be valued and help me land a job after graduation.”

We interviewed your lovely girlfriend, Mariah, a few weeks ago, and she had some interesting remarks on how you guys met back in high school. What’s your recollection of the day you two met?

“Oh, did she? So, she must’ve told you how the first time we locked eyes was when I saved her from a house fire? No, actually man, we went to rival high schools, and I technically met her Dad first without even knowing it, but that’s a whole different story that I don’t have time to tell. I caught her eye on the basketball court actually, back when I used to drop buckets, and we’ve been running strong ever since. Wouldn’t trade any of it for the world, though. She’s perfect.”

Now, most of us like money, I’d definitely assume since we’re paying an arm and a leg to go to Siena, but what made you choose to pursue Accounting as your future career?

“I get this one a lot, why Accounting? I hated it in high school, which is weird. I took the entry level courses here at SHU, and the numbers and theories started to click, and I was good at it. It was something that I thought I could make a career out of, and I’m excited to pursue that.”

I know football is over, and it certainly didn’t end like you and the team wanted it to, but tell us what the past four years on the team as a building block for the program means to you and the bond you share with the guys in the locker room.

“Hey man, building a program from the ground up to conference champs in 4 years is incredible if you ask me. Being able to be a part of the tradition of the original people to build this program is an experience that I will live with forever. Those guys in the locker room are family, and I know they’d do anything to help me out if I needed it. Wouldn’t trade those guys for the world.”

Be a squirrel for a day or a snail for a week?

“Interesting question. Clearly squirrel. 1.) Squirrels are cooler than snails. 2.) Snails are slow and that would be one LONG week. 3.) I’m interested in what squirrels do all day. I’d like to know people’s reasoning if they chose snail.”

Now, you’re a pretty big Michigan fan. Any thoughts on the new head football coach?

“Huge Go-Blue guy. Do I have thoughts? Umm, yes. I’m extremely excited about the direction the program will be going. I think Harbaugh is the perfect man for the job. I think his NFL expertise appeals to big time recruits trying to get to the next level. I think his connection to the school from being a QB at UM will bring the tradition back to where it was in the 90s – rough and tough. Can’t wait to watch.”

What’s your five-year plan?

“I actually just accepted a job earlier this week with Eaton Corporation. I’ll be doing three one-year job rotations in different jobs and different company locations. I’ll be starting in South Bend, actually, for my first year as a Financial Analyst. I hope to graduate that program with manager level qualities at the age of 25 and either stay with Eaton or find a different forward-moving company where I can climb the ladder. I also will hopefully have started a family and will have a few dogs. Also, watching Michigan with a College Football National Championship will likely happen in that 5-year span.”

Seeing as you’ll be graduating in less than a month, what’s one thing about Siena you’ll never forget?

“The people. The professors, the coaches, but most of all, my teammates and friends that have become family in 4 years. I’ve built relationships that will last a lifetime at this school. SHU has given me everything I need to succeed and the people who support me in doing so. I hope to come back and visit future homecomings and events to pick up with everyone.”