Lukawski Picked Highest Achiever In New England

Harvard defensive end Ed Lukawski received the 1970 New England Senior Achievement Award from the New England Football Writers Association yesterday at their Annual Coaches and Captains Luncheon.

At the same luncheon yesterday Dartmouth quarterback Jim Chasey was named New England Player of the Year, and Harvard coach John Yovicsin received his New England Coach of the Year award.

Lukawski joins three other Crimson players to have earned the honor since its first presentation in 1958. The award is presented each year to the player in New England who demonstrates higher-than-average desire and character while contributing to his team and exhibiting outstanding personal achievement.

Comeback

The award climaxed an amazing comeback for Lukawski who wasn't even listed on the Crimson's pre-season roster after a severe back injury suffered in last year's Cornell game had apparently ended his football career.

"I was pretty bewildered and didn't know what it was all about," Lukawski said after first hearing about his selection. "You know they didn't even have a jersey for me or a place to stay when I came back this fall. I guess the coaches were a little surprised," he added.

Lukawski, who suffers from a congenital malformation of a vertebra in his back, entered last year's Cornell game and was promptly hit hard twice. "It hurt like hell," he said. The 6-2, 220-pounder suffered severe muscle spasms in his lower back and was taken to the infirmary for two days. He missed the rest of the season.

"The doctors didn't give him a chance," coach John Yovicsin said. "However, his sheer determination and love for the game helped him overcome all the obstacles. He came to me the last week in August after he had completed the doctors' reconditioning program and said he wanted to give it a try," he revealed.

Starter

This season, after an injury to Fred Martucci on the first day of contact drills, Lukawski moved in and started every game, playing a vital role in Harvard's fine defensive effort this year. "I thought I played my best against Dartmouth. I had a couple of fine plays and really enjoyed their great competition," Lukawski said.

Lukawski won All-State honors as a senior in high school and was selected as a member of "Parade" Magazine's Annual High School All-American team. He is a former National Merit Scholar and a Harvard National Scholar. During high school he also ran track and played basketball for four years. A biology major, he plans a career in medicine.