Zane Oldenstadt rumbles down low in the paint. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
Oldenstadt and William Davidson pause for a photo op during track season. (Morgan White photo)
Zane Oldenstadt listens to his mom, and that may pay off as the world deals with a pandemic.
As Coupeville students prepare for a new school year, without knowing for sure how it will play out in the age of coronavirus, incoming freshmen have high hopes in an unsettled world.
For Oldenstadt, who plans to be a three-sport athlete at CHS, it’s a perfect time to reflect on words of wisdom from mom Michelle Glass.
“My mom’s had a huge impact in showing me how the only way things get done is through perseverance and work,” Oldenstadt said.
Whether his high school days start off in a classroom or at home in front of a computer, the outgoing 9th grader-to-be wants to make an impact in everything he does.
Oldenstadt is “very interested in marine biology, and I plan to go to college for it,” while in the arena he hopes to play football, basketball, and baseball, in whatever order the WIAA and CHS allow him to.
Being a three-sport athlete is something which comes naturally, as he played soccer and basketball, then wrapped up the school year competing in track and field during his middle school days.
He also played little league baseball.
While he enjoyed all of his sports, Oldenstadt felt most at home on the hardwood.
“Basketball, I have fun getting out there and battling on the court,” he said. “It’s a sport I never tire of, and I’m always ready to go and give it my all.”
As he makes the transition from CMS to CHS, Oldenstadt already has the height and strength to set him apart from other athletes his own age.
But he also realizes he needs to add other components to his game if he wants to be successful at a higher level.
“I think my athleticism at my size really stands out,” Oldenstadt said. “But I’d still like to work on overall quickness.
“My goal in high school sports is to better myself and the teams I play on through hard work and commitment.”
When he’s not playing sports, Oldenstadt enjoys listening to music.
In an uncertain world, though, athletic activity is key to his happiness.
“Sports helps me cope with stress or anything else that’s bothering me,” he said. “It’s nice just to go and focus all your energy on trying to win something.”
