The562’s coverage of cross country and track and field is sponsored by Bryson Financial.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
By the time next June rolls around, Aujane Luckey will have run her last race as a Wilson Bruin, but she won’t be done rocking the maroon and gold just yet.
That’s because last week, the Moore League’s defending 200m and 400m champion made her future plans official when she signed her National Letter of Intent with Arizona State.
“It felt like home, just like the environment I’m in now,” said Luckey on her decision to become a Sun Devil. “I love the program, I love what they do at their school and just me feeling safe there was an automatic plus, so it was only right. I love the coaches, I love their program, I love how they do everything–it’s similar to Wilson.”
Luckey made her decision during a ceremony in the school library, choosing between a handful of top programs from around the country. In addition to ASU, her final five consisted of Oregon, Texas A&M, UT Arlington, and Washington State.
With her parents, Autumn and Diante, sitting on each side of her, Luckey made the big reveal by putting on a beanie with “ASU” stitched across the front. Meanwhile, her parents held up bright yellow ASU shirts as the assembled crowd of students and teammates yelled and applauded.
“She's someone who, from day one when we met her when she checked into Wilson, you knew that she's gonna be here for Wilson, it wasn't just about her,” said Bruins track and field coach Neil Nelson. “She didn't worry about anyone else's attitudes or whatever, we just knew she had the school’s back … Having her around with that kind of low-key attitude, you know, she isn't loud, she’s quiet and kind of keeps to herself, but if you knew her, you know that she has a good heart, and she is a big part of the team.”
During her two seasons at Wilson, Luckey has won individual Moore League championships in the 200m and 400m, winning the 400 twice. That quarter mile distance has been her specialty, winning the CIF-SS Division 1 championship as a sophomore with a time of 53:49.
She’s also been an integral member of the Wilson 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams, which each swept gold at the CIF-SS finals during her sophomore year in 2021. The Bruins defended their title in the 4x400 during the 2022 CIF finals, while Luckey earned runner-up finishes in both the 200 and 400.
The recruiting process may not have been a perfect fit for Luckey, who’s admittedly shy by nature, but she made the best of the experience and ultimately landed on a program where she felt most comfortable.
“It was fun to me,” said Luckey of the recruiting process. “It was kind of nerve-wracking because I'm not really a social butterfly. But just getting to know and meet other people and be around other people, I liked it. It was a fun experience.”
Her commitment ceremony was also a lot of fun, given the dozens of friends, family, coaches and teachers who filled the library to witness her decision live. Wilson coach Shannon Fisher was unable to attend the ceremony, but was in the virtual front row as he watched the live feed from one of the handful of phones recording her announcement.
“I'm very blessed to have this many people that come out to support me and just be here every step of the way,” Luckey said. “Since day one to still have those supporters as well, it feels good.”
