Venturing Out: Gators Try New Sports

Lincoln North Star athletics are known for being an open space for all students. This year alone, there has been a wide range of success among multiple new participants and their sports. 

Sophomore Henry Kleppinger undertook his first year as a part of the cross country team. Despite it being his first year, he did not fail to find success. Kleppinger achieved a total of six medals throughout the season, with a personal record of 18:12. Kleppinger chose to run cross country because he wanted to try something new while filling his time and moving his body. His favorite memories have been the talking pace runs, or slower runs in which you can easily talk. Kleppinger has experienced some of his best conversations and developed great bonds with his teammates. He explains that he was both excited and nervous to try something new, but he would recommend others to follow in his path. Through his season, he was able to form new friendships, experience, and a love for running. When asked what advice he would give to new runners, he urges that “workouts are important to grow as a runner and increase your speed. Don’t do the minimum amount of reps, instead, give your all in every workout you do.”

First year tennis player Kinley Stuhr exclaims that she is “excited to see what [she] can do this season.” Stuhr has already enjoyed doing fun activities with her big, middle, and littles group. Aside from cross country, freshman Kinley Stuhr began her first season of tennis this spring. When making the team, Stuhr was most excited to meet new people and create new memories. Considering Stuhr had never played previously, she was most nervous about playing in a match. Stuhr expresses that it was difficult having to learn the whole sport from scratch. She clarifies that she is “continuing to navigate learning proper tennis form and movements.” Although this comes with a variety of challenges, Stuhr overcomes them through being kind to herself. Overall, she is grateful for the coaches patience and flexibility as she and her teammates learn how to play tennis. Similar to Kleppinger, Stuhr highly recommends trying a new sport because it is important to take advantage of the time you’ve been blessed with.