From the Gridiron to the Barbershop: Lucas Hercules Cruz's Journey of Resilience

By Save Lotawa and Ivan Quispe

SEATTLE—When Lucas Hercules Cruz’s season ended before it really started, the O’Dea varsity running back had a choice: let the injury define him or find a new path. Out for the year, Cruz found purpose off the field. He picked up clippers instead of a football and turned his interest in cutting hair into both a hobby and a job. Even when the game paused, his determination didn’t.

Cruz has been cutting hair since his freshman year, developing a skill that allowed him to juggle school and sports.

“It wasn’t just about haircuts; it was my way to bond with friends,” Cruz said. “Every time I cut someone’s hair, it felt like being part of a team.”

His shift from football to the barbershop is more about keeping those friendships and team spirit alive during a challenging time.

As he navigated the challenges of his injury, Cruz leaned on relationships from the field.

“Seeing Lucas injured was tough,” said Luis Arbini, a fellow teammate and aspiring barber. “He had put in so much work during the offseason, and to see it all slip away was hard.”

Arbini looked up to Cruz, who had been a mentor and teacher, inspiring him to pursue barbering.

Once he stepped away from football, Cruz embraced his passion for haircuts with renewed energy.

“I always treated it like football. Every cut needs focus and precision,” he explained.

His commitment transformed his hobby into a business, one that speaks to his hardworking nature.

“Great barbers always give great cuts,” he added, highlighting the standard he aims to uphold in his new journey.

Due to his amazing cuts, word of mouth grew, along with his reputation.  

“It’s all about trust,” he emphasized. “Just like in football, where you rely on your teammates, in the barbershop, clients need to feel confident in what you do.”

His perspective on building client relationships mirrors the teamwork he experienced on the field.

Arbini mentioned how Cruz’s transition impacted him, stating, “He taught me how to handle the clippers and emphasized the importance of patience and technique.”

These lessons parallel their shared experiences in football, showing how techniques from one field can transfer to another.

Now, Cruz looks to the future.

“We’re planning to create something bigger than just a barbershop,” he said.

Both he and Arbini are determined to build a place where they can support each other and foster a community.

“It’s like being on a team again,” Arbini remarked. “We want to uplift others—just like we did on the football team.”

Reflecting on his journey, Cruz sees the injury not just as a setback but as a turning point.

“It opened doors I never expected,” he stated. Football will always hold a special place in his heart, but barbering has given him a new purpose.

From running the ball to cutting hair, Lucas Hercules Cruz embodies resilience and adaptability. As he shapes the lives of his clients with each haircut, his story is a testament to overcoming adversity and embracing new challenges, proving that even in the toughest times, a new game plan can lead to unexpected successes.