Wake Forest football coach Reggie Lucas suspended after DWI charge

Reggie Lucas, the coach of the undefeated Wake Forest High football team, was arrested and charged with driving while impaired late Wednesday night. He has been suspended from his coaching duties.

Lucas, 43, was arrested after being pulled over shortly before midnight at 8700 Ligon Mill Road in Wake Forest and charged with misdemeanor DWI.

He was confined at 2:30 a.m., and later released. He is expected to appear in court on Dec. 4.

Matt Dees, a spokesman for Wake County Schools, confirmed that Lucas had been suspended.

This year’s team is 11-0 and will play at home on Friday against Leesville Road in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 4AA playoffs.

Lucas has been one of the state’s most successful young coaches. He was named as the Cougars’ coach in 2007 and has built an 84-17 record. He has led Wake Forest to the state 4AA football championship game twice.

Lucas was a high school football and basketball standout at Wake Forest-Rolesville High. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach under former head coach Earl Smith.

This story was originally published November 13, 2014 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Wake Forest football coach Reggie Lucas suspended after DWI charge."