DRC welcomes Hagen

STEPHEN THOMAS
 Hagen Lihl, the 16-year-old native German Rotarian living in the U.S. during the school year, has been fitting in just fine and enjoying his time in South Liberty County. Displaying his command of English, Lihl discussed his activities and impressions with guests of the Dayton Rotary Club Luncheon Aug. 30 at the Dayton Community Center. Through the sponsorship of the Dayton Rotary Club, which provides Lihl’s allowance, the Rotary Club Youth Exchange guest will live with Rotarian Randy Gunter and his family through this academic year at Liberty High School. The area and the school have made fine first impressions. “School is nice,” Lihl, who is on his first U.S. visit, said. “I’ve made friends. I get to know my courses. The first week is the hardest, and then it gets easier.” Lihl has been fascinated with American football, so much so that he has been trying to make one of the school teams. Lihl has been participating without pads, in accordance with UIL regulations that require several days of a no-pads acclimation period. His knowledge of the wildly popular American collision sport is ... weeeell. “Nothing,” Lihl said following the luncheon. “Tuesday was the first time I ever played football. Most of the time, I’m not playing. I’m just watching him. I have to learn the things going on. ... I think it is the typical American sport. “In Germany, we don’t have any football. Our main sports are soccer, basketball, volleyball.” The UIL must grant the Achim, Germany, permanent resident a waiver before he, as an exchange student, may play on the varsity team. Gunter said the appropriate application process has been under way in case Lihl makes the varsity team. He was doing some kicking in the early going because he was not in pads. Academically, he’s pretty sharp. “He’s doing great,” Gunter said. “His English is just amazing. He’s in my advanced placement English III class and holding his own.” Lihl has been busy from day one. “I don’t think he’s had 10 minutes of down time since he’s been in,” Gunter said as luncheon guests introduced themselves to Lihl. “He got here Friday afternoon, got through customs about 3:30. We went straight from the airport to Galveston, where the Rotary Exchange Orientation was already in progress, then Sunday evening he got back to our home. Monday morning, he went to school.” Where he has been warmly received. “He’s a rock star,” Gunter said. “Everybody in the high school knows about Hagen.”