BROOKINGS — “I was born (May 24, 2007) in Hendricks, Minnesota, at the hospital when they were still delivering babies at the hospital there,” said Lane Schindler, 18, a graduating senior at Elkton High School. “I’ve always lived in Lake Benton with my mom and dad (Frank and Deanne Schindler). I have seven siblings (four brothers and three sisters) and I’m the youngest. We’re a pretty big family.”
Schindler attended elementary school in Lake Benton, Minnesota. For high school he drives to Elkton. Following graduation, he’ll again be a student in the Gopher State: He’ll pursue an associate degree in business management at Minnesota West Community & Technical College in Worthington. From there, he’ll go into the workforce and pursue a bachelor’s degree at a later time.
As Schindler graduates and leaves Elkton High School, he does so with a reputation as an exemplary student-athlete. He’s a member of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). He played 9-man football for all four years of high school. At 5’8” 165-pounds, he played wide receiver and defensive back. The Elkton-Lake Benton Elks went 11-2 for the 2025 season, losing twice to Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy. The second contest was for the 9AA state championship. What Schindler lacked in size he made up for in speed, describing himself as “not big but pretty quick.”
He also played baseball his freshman and sophomore year and participated in golf: “I enjoy it and I’m not bad.”
Schindler’s approach to others is simple: The Golden Rule, treating others as you would have them treat you. Be kind, be respectful, and practice good manners. He’s an active member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton, where he serves Mass on a regular basis. And as a student-athlete, Schindler receives accolades from teachers and coaches.
“Lane is a wonderful student to have in the classroom,” head football coach and science teacher Kaleb Haas said. “He is extremely smart and works extremely hard to gain a deeper understanding of the material. His curiosity provokes him to ask a lot of questions that allow the class conversation to dive deeper into topics that are being covered.
“In the classroom and in athletics, Lane works extremely hard and is a strong leader. He leads through setting an example that younger students can look upon as guidance for their own behavior
“Most of all Lane has incredibly high character. He holds himself to an extremely high standard and works hard to achieve his own expectations.”
Steve Erickson, athletic director and head boys basketball coach, noted: “I have had the pleasure to know, teach and coach Lane since his seventh-grade year. Throughout this time, Lane has shown to be an incredibly hardworking, dedicated, and team-oriented student-athlete who leads by example. His commitment to excellence, inclusive attitude, and ability to push both himself and those around him to be their best make him a true leader and role model. Lane is the type of student-athlete that is fun to be around and work with as he always strives to give his best and doing it with a positive attitude, no matter the task at hand.”
“I can honestly say Lane is one of my hardest working students,” said Sharon Landsman, English language arts instructor at Elkton Public School. “His grades and doing his best are very important to him. He approaches every task with a positive attitude, asking questions, helping others to understand, and simply smiling to show he cares. He never passes his teachers in the hall without saying, ‘Good morning,’ or ‘Hello,’ or ‘How are you doing?’ It is very refreshing as a teacher to be able to work with a student like Lane each day. I have enjoyed having him as a student. Other students enjoy having him as a friend.”
— Contact John Kubal at [email protected].
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