Three by Three - Lee Kirschgessner

Lee Kirschgessner is more than the average triple threat. While he can shoot, pass and dribble, he is also a threat in a number of other areas. Kirschgessner, an incoming senior at Borden High School in Memphis, Indiana, is also a varsity lettered track, cross country and basketball athlete. Kirschgessner is a member of the golf team as well, "as a way to relax between meets and games," he says. When it comes to staying so involved in so many facets of athletics, Kirschgessner gives credit to his friends, family members and coaches. He says that his friendships and peers have kept him enjoying the sports while coaches have provided motivation. Jim Beam, Kirschgessner's elementary AAU (American Athletic Union) and league basketball coach, has been his most influential coach. Beam has kept him motivated and kept the game exciting and fun. Balance can be a difficult task for any athlete, much less one playing four different sports. The practices do not overlap too often but the conditioning does. Kirschgessner uses his free time during school to get most of his work done. His coaches have also been very supportive of his multiple obligations and relaxed when he misses conditioning to play other sports. Kirschgessner's favorite sport is basketball. The 6'2" small forward is considering playing for a small college but is still undecided. He sees cross country as a way to stay in shape and he loves the motivation and the toughness of track. While he is busy, Kirschgessner believes he has still gotten the full high-school experience and is glad to have participated in so many sports.