Gophers Participate in Lanes for Friendship event

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On Saturday, November 2nd, student-athletes from baseball, soccer, softball, women's gymnastics, and wrestling made their way to Bowlero in Lakeville, MN for the 13th-Annual Lanes for Friendship event presented by Highland Friendship Club. Former baseball student-athlete, Tony Leseman, and his family helped found the Highland Friendship Club and the club has been connected to Gopher Athletics since Leseman was a student-athlete. Another special guest in attendance at the event was retired professional baseball player, Joe Mauer. The former star for the Minnesota Twins has been involved with Highland Friendship Club and the Lanes for Friendship bowling event for a number of years.

Tony Leseman (Gopher baseball 2003-2006) and Coach Anderson. Photo by Gordy Jones.

Highland Friendship Club was founded in 2002 to provide social experiences and opportunities to kids, teens, and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Over the years, HFC has grown and now provides daily programs to over 400 members. The Gopher baseball program has made a tradition of attending the bowling event each year to support the Leseman family and their impactful organization.

"I can't put into words how supportive the Gopher athletic department, but also more specifically the baseball program, has been since I was a player.. [so] for them to carry on the tradition of being involved in this community means so much," Leseman said. "It's a yes from John Anderson and his program to be involved every year and we're excited to get more programs involved year after year."

At the Lanes for Friendship event, Gopher student-athletes joined small groups at each lane throughout Bowlero to bowl and interact with the HFC members and their families. Natalie DenHartog, a sophomore Gopher softball student-athlete, enjoyed bowling with the members and getting to be a part of the special event.

Gopher softball student-athletes (left to right): Katelyn Kemmetmueller, Josey White, Emily Hansen, Emma Burns, Kaylen Krueger, and Natalie DenHartog. Photo by Doug Knutson.

"It means a lot to be a Gopher and give back to the community because none of us [student-athletes] got to this place alone, so in order to recognize that and be thankful.. it's important to give back," DenHartog said.

Coach John Anderson talked about how strong relationships have formed over the years, specifically with his baseball student-athletes and the members and families involved with the Highland Friendship Club. This event is something that they look forward to every year.

"It's a great way for our kids to give something back to the community and impact somebody else's life.. we're just thankful to be a part of it," Anderson said.

The Highland Friendship Club works hard to provide opportunities for their members to learn new skills and create bonds with each other. Leseman has watched the Highland Friendship Club evolve from a small club holding meetings in the kitchen of his family's home to serving over 400 members and impacting the lives of thousands more.

Gopher student-athletes, Sebastian Swiggum (Wrestling), Kristen Quaglia (Women's Gymnastics), and Autumn Pease (Softball) pictured with Joe Mauer and members of the Highland Friendship Club.

Leseman is thankful to the Gopher student-athletes for attending the event and spending time with the members of the Highland Friendship Club. As a former student-athlete himself, he understands the busy schedules and applauds student-athletes and athletic department for their commitment to serving the community. The student-athletes, staff, and coaches in attendance were proud to volunteer and support Leseman, a fellow Gopher, and his family's organization.

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