Hamilton Heights’ Joe Ringer to cycle for Lindsey Wilson College

Joe Ringer, Hamilton Heights’ senior, has signed a letter of intent to cycle for the Lindsey Wilson College Blue Raiders in Columbia, Ky., this fall. Lindsey Wilson College is a member of the Mid-South Conference. He is the son of Chris and Mary Ringer.
“I felt at home in Columbia and at Lindsey Wilson College,” said Joe Ringer, of his visit to the campus in this one stoplight town located in south central Kentucky.Ringer, a natural athlete, found his passion with cycling the summer of his eighth-grade year. A four-year letter winner for the Hamilton Heights Boys Varsity Swim team, Ringer found success in the water and in cycling competitions around the country and triathlons in Indiana.
Lindsey Wilson offered Ringer just what he was looking in terms of academics, smaller campus and class size, and a competitive collegiate cycling team. “I really liked the small town feel of the campus, smaller class sizes, and to opportunity to contribute to the tight-knit USA cycling team right away.” He said the rolling rural hills, scenery, and milder weather will make a great environment for outdoor training and rides.
Ringer said cycling as a sport found him thanks to participating in his first Cicero Youth Triathlon in 2015. From there, Ringer began training daily, riding throughout Hamilton County. He joined Nine13sports, a local cycling team, and the Hamilton Heights swim team to build his skill, endurance, and strength. Ringer is thankful to everyone who has been supportive and helped throughout his journey into the world of competitive cycling. However, it is his dad, Chris, who he credits as his biggest inspiration and source of motivation. “He is a very hard worker, yet always made the time to ride with me, help me prepare and pack for upcoming races, and encouraged me to be better than I was the day before,” added Joe.
When Ringer is not on his bike, in the pool, or studying, he can be found creating cycling memes as part of the online Interbikememe community, or chilling at home watching movies that feature his favorite actors (Kevin Costner and Tom Hanks) or listening to music.
Sue Beale, Hamilton Heights Varsity Boys Swim Coach, said, “Joe was a four-year member of the boys swim team. He was a big part of the team’s success and was always willing to help where needed. He started out as a distance swimmer and switched to a sprinter because I needed him to fill some spots. He did so with great success. He made it to sectional finals 3 out of the 4 years.”
“Joe is the epitome of an athlete who becomes undeterred toward reaching a goal,” said Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights Athletic Director. “He knew what he wanted to do early on and set up a plan to do it. While cycling isn’t an IHSAA sport, Joe trained for it in the winter by participating on the boys swim team for four years. He was a great teammate and always represented Hamilton Heights with the highest degree of respect and integrity. We are very proud of Joe and wish him well as he continues to chase his dream.”