By Gloria Zink
Ceniad
East Lansing HS
When Kieran Eisenlohr (11) buckled up to take his first steps into gymnastics practice, he was apprehensive. His skin chilled, and the hair on his arms stood prominently higher than before. He knew that the gym was where he wanted to be-—but what he wasn’t sure of was whether or not he would be welcomed.
That’s because he wanted to be on the gymnastics team-—he was aware that he would be the only boy, but was not sure if he could join the team.
“I was unsure whether I would be able to participate or not, and I didn’t know most of the girls, so I was self conscious of what they would think of me,” Eisenlohr said.
But after the first few minutes of practice, Eisenlohr’s stress disappeared due to the supportive atmosphere created by the team. One person who added to the welcoming environment was Isabelle Churchill (11), who has been on the team since freshman year. She sparked the idea for Eisenlohr to join the team, but she wasn’t sure if he was able to participate due to his gender. So, after attending the first practice and speaking with coach Kelsey Mongoven, Eisenlohr joined the team knowing he wouldn’t be able to compete.
“He really lightens up the environment,” Churchill said. “We are used to practicing in front of just girls, but with Eisenlohr there to add a male presence at all times, it makes competing in front of all genders easier, and overall he is just fun to have on the team.”
In turn, he also encouraged his teammates with his lively energy and constant effort in practice. His positive attitude also influenced fellow teammate, Nyanchera Monagare (11), to join the team.
“He adds something different to the team,” Mongare said. “His positivity as well as his constant and consistent effort and energy is refreshing because even though he knows he can’t compete, he still tries just as hard if not harder than the other girls.”
Teammate Fanceta Brown (10) believes that Eisenlohr is courageous for joining the team. According to Brown, his positive presence creates a comforting team dynamic.
“He is really funny and sassy, and he just adds a fun spice to the team,” Brown said. “I’m really glad that I can be on the team with him. He keeps it very light hearted and makes it easy to come to practice every day.”
Eisenlohr looks to continue to expand his skill set and grow into a better gymnast throughout the season. He hopes his positive impact can influence other boys to join the team as well.
“If I can, I want to encourage others to believe they can too,” Eisenlohr said.
1st Place
Division 2, Yearbook Verbal
Y-03. Sports Feature Writing
Any topic that spotlights an unusual aspect of any event, a coach, a player or any controversy. An individual story may not be submitted in more than one writing category. Submit a PDF of the page(s) showing the entry. CLEARLY INDICATE WHICH STORY YOU WISH JUDGED in Additional Information field if there are multiple stories on the page.
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Clear, relevant, engaging feature angle
- Solid lead that draws reader into story
- Meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing
- Evidence of adequate research
- Story meaningfully adds to sports coverage
- Adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors, correct use of grammar