Sophomore Gabe Poling Tries Out for Olympic Handball Team
by Jacy Johnston
Sophomore Gabe Poling tried out for the U.S. Olympic Handball team in October at Auburn University in Alabama.
Poling had the opportunity at the tryouts to take part in scrimmages against those in the residency program for handball. Poling scored three goals during the scrimmages. In addition, one professional handball player was trying out for the team Poling said. People from all over the United States participated in the tryouts.
Poling grew up loving the game of European team handball. His parents first saw the sport on display at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Poling continued to learn and play the game despite lacking any formal leagues to play in. Today, according to Poling, the only leagues around are in Illinois and on the coast.
Poling described it as a sport “exactly like water polo, without the water.”
In addition to handball, Poling developed a knack for tennis and is currently pursuing tennis as a part of the Concordia men’s tennis team. Poling noted the possibility of starting a Concordia Handball Intramural league in the future.
The Team USA coach said Poling was very close, but did not make the team. Though Poling was not chosen for the upcoming team, he plans to tryout again after finishing school at Concordia.
“With the right mindset anything is possible,” Poling said.
