Quinn Lamers of Rhinelander High School likes to win.
“He’s very competitive and he’s very driven and that is of course what makes him successful,” said Todd Johnson, who was Quinn’s American Legion Coach. “He doesn’t just want to play a sport, he wants to excel at a sport.”
Once, while playing summer baseball, Quinn found a new way to win. Family friend Janet Jamison, who has a son two years younger than Quinn, loves sharing this story.
“He was taken number one in the draft, which was not a surprise. There are two local Babe Ruth teams,” said Jamison.
Quinn ended up on a team of freshmen, while his junior classmates made up the other local team.
“He used it as an opportunity to be a leader and to help those freshmen grow and learn,” said Jamison.
Quinn broke his hand and couldn’t finish out the season. He could have stopped showing up at any point but instead, he helped coach the young team. The freshmen made it to the title game against Quinn’s undefeated classmates.
“It was definitely a David and Goliath type moment,” said Jamison.
The freshmen, with Quinn coaching at 1st base, won the game against the older team. Janet’s son was on the mound for the final out.
“The only thing I remember about that last inning was the last pop-fly being caught and my son throwing his hands in the air and running straight to Quinn,” said Jamison. “He ran past his own dad to get to Quinn!”
Quinn has fond memories of that team.
“My favorite athletic achievement that’s ever happened to me was that baseball team,” said Lamers. “I was just so proud of all those guys being able to come together.”
Quinn played quarterback for the Hodags. Head Coach Aaron Kraemer prepped him for the pressures of the position.
“It’s you and me, man. I’m going to get the first blame and then you’re number two if we lose,” said Kraemer. “You have to accept that responsibility for your teammates because of the position that you play.”
As a junior, Quinn led Rhinelander to their first winning season since 1994. This past year they finished 8-1 with two playoff wins, the first two in school history.
“Those are some pretty awesome achievements for us on the field and a lot of that has to do with Quinn’s leadership and what he was able to accomplish,” said Kraemer.
Between football and baseball seasons, Quinn hits the hardwood, playing basketball for the Hodags. But there is more to this three-sport athlete than just playing games.
“I’ve enjoyed not only the athletic portion of my childhood but also challenging myself academically,” said Lamers.
Quinn scored a 35 on his ACT and carries a weighted GPA of 4.6.
“Those are the type of kids you want to be involved with and the type of kids you want to coach,” said Johnson.
He’s volunteered with youth leagues and hopes to play football while studying at the next level.
“I just can’t wait to see what he’s going to do,” said Kraemer.