SCHOLAR ATHLETES: Crane’s Tucker ready to pass the baton

Crane’s Skylor Tucker, throughout his high school career, made time to study and keep up with his schoolwork.

His schedule was almost always full with five sports, but he kept his academics as a high priority to finish 10th in Crane High School’s Class of 2022.

Tucker competed in track, football, basketball, golf and tennis throughout high school, earning academic awards in nearly every sport.

“Normally I would go to school, then after school would normally be practices,” Tucker said. “I’d probably hit the gym after that, then it would be around 8 [p.m.] and I’d go home and study.”

The routine worked out well for Tucker, as he competed at regionals in UIL academic math this year, along with qualifying for the Region I-3A track meet as part of Crane’s 4×400-meter relay team.

Math was something that came naturally to Tucker, adding that being a regional qualifier for the subject served as a rewarding experience.

He plans on studying medicine at Texas Tech after his high school graduation, looking to make a difference in people’s lives.

After looking through his options, he decided that being a Red Raider would be the best choice for him.

“They just have a really good medical program and it’s not too far from here,” Tucker said. “I feel like that was a good choice to go to.”

His ultimate career goal includes becoming a surgeon.

Crane track coach Machele Pahl, who is also Tucker’s senior English teacher, said she spoke with the student-athlete extensively about what he wants to do later in his life.

When Tucker explained his process and why he wanted to pursue medicine, Pahl knew he would put in the necessary effort to make his goal a reality.

“We knew no doubt that Skylor is going to achieve,” Pahl said. “He’s come a long way and he’s done a lot of great things, so I know that’s something he’ll be able to do.”

Pahl got a first-hand look at how Tucker helped his relay team by stepping up to become a leader, doing whatever the team needed to be successful.

The team’s work ethic drove each member to continue pushing through the season, ultimately building up to its regional berth.

Pahl added that it was important for her team to have a leader like Tucker to help keep everyone motivated and focused on their goals.

“You have to have that leadership because without that leadership, your team’s not going to go that far,” Pahl said. “[Tucker’s] always so positive and smiling all the time, that he kind of brings a level of happiness.”

Tucker won’t pursue sports in college, but he’s grateful for the memories he was able to create in his time as a multi-sport athlete at Crane.

He said his favorite athletic memory was seeing the 4×400 relay team qualify out of its area meet to continue its season at regionals.

“We were big underdogs in that, for us to qualify was big,” Tucker said.

Staying in shape and continuing a solid gym routine will still be points of emphasis for Tucker in college.

Pahl feels that Tucker will make a good fit at Texas Tech and he’ll adjust accordingly when he moves to Lubbock.

Tucker’s patience and levelheaded attitude are some of the qualities Pahl believes will help.

“Anything he does, we know that he’ll be prepared and he’ll be ready to go when he gets there,” Pahl said. “I don’t think he’ll have any problems there at all.”

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