Hillsdale College football legend Joe “The Show” Glendening was one of the best running backs in the country from 2009 to 2012. Hillsdale’s all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns is not the only standout athlete in the Glendening family.
Joe’s older brother, Luke Glendening, was a standout center on the University of Michigan hockey team and now finds himself suiting up for the Detroit Red Wings.
Growing up in Grand Rapids, Mich., the Glendening brothers found entertainment in competing against each other.
“We always had healthy competitions with each other,” Luke said. “He beat me a lot when we were kids.”
That competitiveness, along with a solid foundation from their parents, laid the foundation for both brothers to be successful in their athletic careers. Although, raising two great athletes was not the focus of their upbringing.
“It is kind of funny, [our parents] did not push us into athletics. They made sure we were well-rounded,” Luke said.
The brothers were involved in their church and choir as well as sports. Even though they were not pushed into athletics, both brothers found great success on the field. At East Grand Rapids High School, they were both state champions in football. Luke was also the top scorer on the school’s hockey team.
“They are very gifted athletes. What sets them apart is that they used their God-given abilities to their best,” said Peter Stuursma, the football coach at East Grand Rapids. “They work so hard. They were an absolute joy to coach, and it was so hard for them to say nice things about themselves because they are so humble.”
Joe decided to play football for the Chargers after his great high school career. During his time here at Hillsdale, Glendening set school records for rushing yards in a season (1,604), rushing attempts in a season (325), rushing touchdowns (27), career rushing yards (4,772) and total touchdowns (62). He was an All-American in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and was a staple of the Charger offense.
“I enjoyed watching his career. I was his biggest fan and came to visit him at Hillsdale,” Luke said.
Luke played at the University of Michigan from 2008 to 2012. In 2012, he signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, where he played 51 regular season games, compiling eight goals and 18 assists.
“He has been up and down with the Griffins, so when he is with them I am able to watch him play more often,” said Joe, who currently resides in Grand Rapids.
In 2013, the Detroit Red Wings signed Luke to a one-year contract. On Oct. 12, he made his NHL debut against the Philadelphia Flyers. It was a dream come true for a guy who grew up rooting for the Wings.
“Me and Joe were both huge Wings fans. I had a jersey and everything,” Luke said. “I had just got off the ice from a Griffins practice when they told me I was going to Detroit. Joe was the first person I called.”
When Luke made his debut in Detroit, Joe and his parents were able to make it to Joe Louis Arena to watch him live his dream.
“I was nervous, which is embarrassing, but growing up a Red Wings fan and seeing my brother on the biggest stage was awesome,” Joe said.
“It was surreal. To get the chance to play where I grew up going to games and to have my family there was special,” Luke said.
Since his debut, Luke has played 27 games with Detroit while racking up three assists. He has yet to score his first NHL goal but that could change quickly with the amount of ice time he is seeing.
“It still has not set in that I am in the NHL. I am trying to learn as I go. Playing in the Winter Classic was a great experience and was really that moment that I realized that I am in the NHL and felt like it was real,” Luke said.
As Luke’s NHL career progresses, his biggest fan will never change. The fact that he plays his home games in Michigan makes it that much better for Joe and the entire Glendening family.
