On a quiet Sunday, the steady rhythm of drumsticks echoes through Grace Church as Lucas Weinert practices a beat for an upcoming performance. A day later, he swaps his drumsticks for a football helmet, stepping onto the field with the same focus and intensity. Transitioning seamlessly between his passions, Weinert thrives in the challenge of balancing football, music, schoolwork, and friendship.
For Lucas Weinert, football has always been a way of life. He first stepped onto the field at four years old, and over the years, the sport has taught him the value of hard work.
“I enjoy football because of the bonds I’ve formed and the results you get from hard work,” Weinert said.
Assistant football coach William D’Amico sees Weinert as a fearless competitor, someone who thrives under pressure and refuses to back down, no matter the challenge. His relentless attitude and refusal to shy away from obstacles make him a standout player on the field.
“No matter how big the offensive player is, or any obstacle in his way, [Weinert] will take it head-on and do his best to win that battle. That says a lot, especially nowadays when you have people who are shy of competition or anything that might be tough. Lucas will not shy away,” D’amico said.
The determination to take on challenges defines Weinert both on and off the field, making him a key player on his team and a role model for his peers. When Weinert is not on the football field, he is behind a drum set, bringing energy and rhythm to his church band. Though he started playing drums in fifth grade, it was not until seventh grade that he became serious about his craft. Now, he plays four to five live shows a month at Grace Church.
“Drums are a fun hobby where I can exert extra energy. It has connected me to some people that I enjoy being around,” Weinert said.
Ezra Wimberly, the music director at Grace Church, has witnessed Weinert’s journey from a young student musician to a skilled and confident drummer. Over the years, Wimberly has seen Weinert dedicate himself to improving his craft, transforming from a casual player into an integral part of the band’s rhythm.
“Lucas got involved in our band through student ministries. He started playing in the student band a few years ago, and as his skills improved, I heard about it from other students and leaders. I eventually invited him to play a weekend with us as a student guest. He’s tenacious and works very hard,” Wimberly said.
Wimberly emphasized how crucial Weinert’s role is within the band, noting that a skilled drummer is essential for creating the energy and flow of each performance. He explained that the drums provide the foundation of the music, setting the tone and rhythm for the entire band to follow.
“Without an excellent drummer, I often feel like we only have half a song. Lucas is able to capture the dynamics of the song and really help everyone in the room engage in the music. People are tied into rhythm—it’s often the push and pull of a beat that helps to make emotional sense of the words we’re singing,” he said.
Balancing football, drumming, school, and friendships might seem overwhelming, but Weinert thrives on the challenge. For him, the hustle is part of the fun.
“It’s definitely a challenge to balance everything going on in life. From school, sports, friendships, and playing instruments, it’s a lot. But, it’s fun packing my day with non-stop activities to be able to see people I enjoy being around,” Weinert said.
Time management has been the cornerstone of Weinert’s ability to excel in his many commitments. Whether it’s fitting in a study session between practices or using downtime to perfect his drumming skills, he has mastered the art of making every moment count.
“Being able to balance schoolwork by using extra time is very important,” he said.
Through it all, Weinert’s determination and work ethic shine. He approaches every challenge—whether it is a tough opponent on the football field or a complex song behind the drum kit—with the same dedication and fearlessness.
“Lucas works very hard. One of the reasons I was excited to play with Lucas was his tenacity as a learner. He’s always open to being coached and improving, and that’s a rare quality,” Wimberly said.
Whether he is on the field or setting the beat for his church band, Weinert is a true example of what it means to balance passion and commitment. His ability to juggle his many responsibilities while excelling in all of them is a testament to his drive and character. For Weinert, every moment is an opportunity to grow, connect, and leave an impact. For those around him, he is a leader, a teammate, and a friend who inspires others to do the same.
