Classical High (Providence, R.I.) sophomore Isaac Lufkin, who was born without arms, serves as the Purples’ kicker. Lufkin led his division in onside kick recoveries and helped Classical to an undefeated record and a state title last season.
Search Isaac Lufkin on Facebook, and the results generate a public figure who has 500 “Likes”.
This is Lufkin’s second Facebook page — created due to an influx of friend requests over the past several months.
Earlier this year he received not one, but two letters from U.S. Presidents — Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama. Lufkin and his mother Lori were even invited to this year’s Super Bowl as VIP guests of the National Football League.
It was a dream come true for the Classical High (Providence, R.I.) sophomore, who has been in the national spotlight since his freshman season.
Lufkin was born without arms. He’s quick to state that he doesn’t like to be helped.
“If someone has pity on you, how are you doing to learn anything?” Lufkin said. “You’re going to be smothered with attention, but you’re not going to get stronger or know how to push through.”
He applies that mentality in his approach to football. Last season as a freshman, Lufkin, a kicker, led his division in onside kick recoveries and helped Classical to an undefeated record and a state title.
Lufkin said he naturally takes to the position in part because of his leg strength, which, combined with his speed and flexibility, allows him to punch through the football with power.
Though during his childhood Lufkin wore myoelectric prosthetics — considered the closest alternative to an anatomical hand or arm and designed to mimic human motion by using electronic components — he prefers not to use prosthetics these days because he finds them uncomfortable.
Growing up, Lufkin preferred to make use of his feet to master how to brush his teeth, get dressed and even type and play video games. He also learned how to eat and write using his feet.
“He’s a very independent,” said Classical High athletic director Bob Palazzo. “His personality is very bold. It exudes in every motion and activity.”
So much so that if he drops his backpack and someone picks it up, he’ll purposely drop it again and pick it up himself. Lufkin credits his mom for cultivating his self-described “viciously independent” spirit.
“People look at him and think he’s disabled, that he can’t do things or that he’s weak,” Lori said. “I raised him to speak his mind and to be strong-willed.
“He’s going to have to do things for himself or he won’t be successful in the world.”
Lufkin applies his mom’s advice in every aspect of his life — especially sports. Though he played soccer for a season at age 12, he didn
