Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: Altmyer
How Luke Altmyer became confident, comfortable in his own skin with Illini
ORLANDO, Fla. — There are moments when Chad and Betsy Altmyer remember a second-grade boy who was too shy to stand up in front of his class to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, deciding instead to take a zero on the exercise.
In so many ways, their son, Luke Altmyer, still is a a relatively quiet but confident young man. In other ways, Luke Altmyer couldn’t be more different.
Chad and Betsy couldn’t believe their son grabbed a microphone in the first half of a men’s basketball game with a spotlight shining down on him in front of more than 15,000 fans to triumphantly announce his return to the Illini as the team’s starting quarterback for one more year. They were a bit surprised to see their son in a Cheez-It commercial leading into Tuesday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game against South Carolina.
“I think we see a lot of the things just like y’all see and sometimes we look at each other and go, ‘Man, I can’t believe that’s Luke,’ with some of the things that’s happened,” Chad Altmyer told Illini Inquirer. “We’ve had some great breaks this year and I guess you make your own breaks on the football field, but it’s like, ‘Dang, is that Luke doing that?’ Like at Rutgers or Purdue or those type games. He’s always been talented. He’s always been good. He’s just super talented.
Luke Altmyer, the quarterback for the University of Illinois football team, has recently opened up about his journey to becoming confident and comfortable in his own skin with the Illini.Altmyer, a highly touted recruit out of high school, initially struggled to find his footing on the team. He faced challenges both on and off the field, leading to doubts about his abilities and place within the program.
However, through hard work, dedication, and the support of his coaches and teammates, Altmyer was able to overcome his insecurities and thrive as a player. He embraced his unique strengths and weaknesses, learning to trust in his skills and instincts.
As a result, Altmyer has become a leader on the team, inspiring his fellow players with his resilience and determination. He has found his voice both on and off the field, becoming a confident and respected member of the Illini community.
Altmyer’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that self-acceptance and confidence are key components of success. By embracing who he is and what he brings to the table, Altmyer has not only improved as a player but also as a person.
So here’s to Luke Altmyer, a shining example of how confidence and self-assurance can lead to greatness on and off the field. The Illini are lucky to have him, and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.
Tags:
- Luke Altmyer
- Illini
- Confidence
- Comfort
- Self-acceptance
- Personal growth
- Overcoming insecurities
- College experience
- Student athlete
- Mental health journey
#Luke #Altmyer #confident #comfortable #skin #Illini
Illinois’ quarterback Luke Altmyer leads team to Citrus Bowl after overcoming setbacks
Last season, Illinois missed expectations and finishing with a losing record
But this year, Illinois turned those close losses into wins, and a big part of the turnaround and making the Citrus Bowl this season was because of resilience of quarterback Luke Altmyer
“I knew after 2023 I had change something, to be honest with you,” said Altmter.
Last season against Indiana, Altmyer was unavailable because of a concussion Backup John Paddock played so well against Indiana, that even when Altmyer was healthy, he remained on the bench to end the year.
“It was difficult, at the time I didn’t understand why God was putting me in this situation,” he said during the pre-season. “Some days were hard to come and show up. But man I remembered, God had a perfect vision for and I’m seeing that come into fruition now.”
Teammates have said Altmyer has become a more vocal leader in 2024.
And his performance has been elevated. 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions, and sealing comeback wins against Nebraska, Kansas and Purdue.
Did last season’s set back play a role his improvement?
“But I know that’s part of his journey,” said offensive coordinator Barry Lunney. “Kind of the trials and tribulations of the position, and I think he really grew from those moments.”
After the season, Altmyer had offers to transfer to other college football programs.
But Altmyer is staying loyal to the Illini. He announced he’s back for 2025 despite some calls that he should shop for another location.
“It was a no brainer. I love being here. I love the coaches I deal with, love my teammates, love the community that I’m in. They’ve helped me in so many different ways. And really, just, you know, want to be here as long as I can,” he said.
And keeping Altmyer is vital for the program. Out of 18 quarterbacks in the big ten, Luke had the sixth best passer rating.
The program is thrilled to play in Illinois’ first citrus bowl since 1990. And the new sponsor, Cheez-Its, has inspired a few dad jokes.
“ First and foremost, good morning. I think it’s only right to let you guys know that I woke up feeling the cheesiest,” said Aaron Henry, Illinois’ defensive coordinator.
Defeating South Carolina would have a lot of meaning for Illinois. It would clinch the first ten win season since 2001. And it would be the first time Illinois would have ever beat a team from the SEC.
Illinois’ quarterback Luke Altmyer has proven to be a resilient leader, guiding his team to the Citrus Bowl after overcoming several setbacks throughout the season.Despite facing adversity, including injuries and tough losses, Altmyer remained focused and determined to lead his team to success. His strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to his team have not gone unnoticed, as he has become a driving force behind Illinois’ impressive season.
Altmyer’s leadership on and off the field has inspired his teammates to elevate their performance and work together towards a common goal. His ability to remain composed under pressure and make crucial plays when it matters most has been instrumental in Illinois’ success this season.
As the team prepares to face their toughest competition yet in the Citrus Bowl, Altmyer’s leadership will be crucial in guiding his team to victory. With his determination and resilience, there is no doubt that Altmyer will continue to inspire his team to achieve greatness on the biggest stage.
Illinois fans can look forward to watching Altmyer lead his team with passion and determination in the Citrus Bowl, as he looks to cement his legacy as one of the program’s all-time great quarterbacks.
Tags:
- Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer
- Citrus Bowl
- Luke Altmyer quarterback
- Illinois football
- Luke Altmyer Citrus Bowl
- Illinois quarterback comeback
- Luke Altmyer success story
- Illinois Citrus Bowl appearance
- Luke Altmyer leadership
- Illinois football season highlights
#Illinois #quarterback #Luke #Altmyer #leads #team #Citrus #Bowl #overcoming #setbacks
