Texas High School Legend Craig Lutz Announces Retirement

After 13 years of competitive running, Craig Lutz, HOKA Northern Arizona Elite (HOKA NAZ Elite) has decided to retire after one more race this upcoming weekend.

Lutz who has had an outstanding high school and college career signed with HOKA NAZ Elite after college an has run professionally ever since.

He won several UIL state championships in both track and cross when he competed for Marcus, a Big 12 conference championship (Indoor 1 Mile), and was a two time NCAA All-American in the 10K for the University of Texas.

"I finally realized what I was missing. I simply don't love running enough anymore to consider it to be my profession. And once that was decided, waking up to train my body and my mind to be the best was no longer fair to myself but also to my coach and teammates."

-Craig Lutz, HOKA One NAZ Elite

On his blog, Lutz said it was both a hard decision to retire. It wasn't a rushed decision, but it was given thought throughout time and when the time came, the decision was an easy one for Lutz. "The decision was easy, though, when I finally realized what I was missing. I simply don't love running enough anymore to consider it to be my profession. And once that was decided, waking up to train my body and my mind to be the best was no longer fair to myself but also to my coach and teammates," Lutz said.

He gives credit and thanks to his parents, teammates, coaches, HOKA ONE, University of Texas. Included in that group of coaches is Coach Telaneus (Coach T) of Marcus. Coach T who assisted in leading Lutz to his state titles, HS All-American finishes, top Foot Locker Finals Finishes, Top NXN finishes including a win in 2009, and the 2010 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. 

Lutz will suit up and lace his spikes for the last time in a competitive career this Friday at the Minnesota Mile, but he will still be involved in the running world and community. He will move into his new career with HOKA ONE in Santa Barbara, California.

Lutz goes down definitely as one of the best high school runners in Texas history.