As a first-team All-Greater Middlesex Conference selection in wrestling and football, Luke Niemeyer demonstrated throughout his scholastic career on the gridiron and the mat that he was a gifted athlete.
The South Plainfield High School senior, however, was also exemplary in the classroom and the hallways.
“What’s great about Luke is he’s really that well-rounded student we look for in our high school,” South Plainfield Principal Ronnie Spring said. “Academically he excels, just as he does whether it’s on the mat or the football field. But more importantly, he’s a kid in the hall who always has a smile on his face. He’s the one who always walks up to you and shakes your hand and says good morning. He’s the first one to help out kids who may need help.
“From the student that we really want to use as a role model, Luke really exemplifies and illustrates all those great qualities.”
Our nonprofit is proud to announce Niemeyer, who will continue his wrestling career at Bucknell University, as the second of several recipients of the second annual Marisa Tufaro Foundation Greater Middlesex Conference Student-Athlete Scholarship.
“It’s really an honor for him to get the award,” Spring said. “But it’s just as special for us to have students like that who are worthy of receiving such a special honor to really show everyone what South Plainfield students are about. He’s really that empathic global citizen that we want out there to represent South Plainfield.”
Niemeyer, who captained both the football and wrestling teams, was honored last month as South Plainfield’s GMC Sportsmanship Award winner.
In addition to earning seven varsity letters – three in football and four in wrestling – Niemeyer was an honor roll student involved in other extracurricular activities and found time for community service.
He volunteered with the David’s Touch Foundation Toy Drive, served as a peer mentor with the Heroes and Cool Kids program, was a volunteer strength and agility coach with the borough’s youth football program, and served as a Tiger 24 student volunteer.
“Watching him develop and grow,” South Plainfield Athletics Director Kevin McCann said, “he’s just a phenomenal well-rounded kid with great character and everything you would want in a student-athlete.”
On the wrestling mat, Niemeyer helped lead South Plainfield to a school-record fourth consecutive state championship, bumping up in weight class to secure the 2019 Group II title with a clutch 4-2 decision in the final against High Point.
The victory came shortly after Niemeyer recorded his 100th career win in a 33-21 regular-season defeat over eventual Group V champion Southern. Niemeyer went undefeated in the NJSIAA Team Tournament, winning all five of his bouts.
During the NJSIAA Individual Championships in Atlantic City, Niemeyer placed for the second straight year, finishing third in the 195-pound weight class. He entered the tournament having won his third straight district title and first region championship.
A three-time conference tournament champion, Niemeyer helped South Plainfield claim its 11th straight league team tournament title and its state-record 35th consecutive district tournament crown.
Earlier in the season, Niemeyer posted a 4-0 record in the prestigious Virginia Duals, helping South Plainfield capture the National Division title.
South Plainfield concluded the 2018-19 campaign with a No. 3 ranking in the final New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association poll.
“Luke’s been a staple of the South Plainfield Athletic Department since he walked in here,” South Plainfield wrestling coach Steve Johnston said. “He’s done great things. He’s a leader in every aspect of the word. He does everything right in the classroom, out of the classroom, on the field, on the mat and everywhere. He’s somebody that this athletic department is going to miss but we are happy to have had him for the past four years.”
On the football field, Niemeyer starred as a linebacker and center. He helped South Plainfield amass 3,360 yards or an average of 305 per game on the ground. South Plainfield ran the ball 418 times and attempted just 66 passes. Despite the opposition knowing the Tigers were going to keep the ball on the ground 72 percent of the time, South Plainfield still had success, snapping West Essex’s state-leading 18-game winning streak in the sectional playoffs. Niemeyer recorded 79 tackles (12 for loss), four sacks and an interception on defense. Displaying his athleticism, he also returned a kickoff 68 yards.
“He’s mature beyond his years,” South Plainfield head football coach Gary Cassio said. “He’s not the rah-rah type of guy, but he’s a ferocious player. He’s a beast on the field. He’s out there playing linebacker or center with half his shirt hanging out and his shoulder pads showing. He’s a mess. But he’s the best player on the field with any team we play. He’s an animal. But off the field he’s a great kid. He can’t be replaced.”
Bucknell University head wresting coach Dan Wirnsberger said he was immediately impressed with Niemeyer the first time he saw the South Plainfield star compete.
“The one thing that really impressed me about him is his composure and he has a very high wrestling IQ,” Wirnsberger said. “That caught my attention immediately. He knows where he’s at on the mat at all times and he’s extremely competitive. At the same time, he’s got some composure. He doesn’t look to get flustered. He stays focused for the entirety of the match.
“We are all looking forward to it,” Wirnsberger said of Niemeyer wrestling at Bucknell. “We’re just pumped up for his potential. It’s going to be a matter of him transitioning to the next level and how quickly he gets himself to the NCAA Tournament and on the podium at the NCAA Tournament. That’s our thoughts for his potential at the next level.”
Wirnsberger said he believes Niemeyer can develop into a “multiple-time” All-American and a national champion.