This was previously published in our October 2025 issue.
The laughter of the family can be heard as the bocce ball is rolled just right that it hits the opponent out of the way, all the while it stops just next to the pallina. The aroma of nature surrounds and calms one as they race up and down a mountain.
Each punch pushes one farther and stronger as their quick reflexes come in handy against their opponent in the ring. The sound of the buzzer rings through one’s ear, signaling the end of the third period as the ice hockey players celebrate their win. Each of these sports have one thing in common: they aren’t offered at Emmaus High School.
There are, of course, many sports at EHS, and while many students are able to participate in their sport, others are left to play outside of EHS grounds. From four EHS students, The Stinger introduces several lesser-known sports around the Lehigh Valley.
EMMA GIVLER
Sprouting from her Italian heritage and traditions, senior Emma Givler grew up playing bocce with her family. Creating family bonds at home and making lifelong friends, Givler couldn’t have been more appreciative for what bocce has brought to her.
“I like doing it because it’s one of the sports I can play and also because [of] my family tradition and just keeping those memories of my grandfather, and his grandfather, and his grandfather in my memory,” Givler said. “I feel like it’s good to not forget the people you came from.”
JACKSON KRAFT
Getting into competitive cross-country mountain bike racing can be hard, but senior Jackson Kraft felt all of his hard days were worth it to be able to compete alongside his friends in his favorite space — nature.All of the races take place on nature routes, allowing Kraft to not only compete in the sport he loves but also spend time in the outdoors.
“It’s an hour and a half of everything you have, and you’re just trying to go up against everybody else,” Kraft said.
GRACE REMMEL
Junior Grace Remmel wanted to learn something new in third grade when she stumbled upon boxing. Throughout the years, boxing changed from something Remmel could learn for self-defense to something she could look forward to at the end of a hard day.
“Boxing gave me a way to just kind of decompress at the end of a long day and a busy week,” Remmel said. “I’ve just carried that with me throughout my middle and high school years.” Additional reporting by Jeanne Chen.
MADISON MARTIN
Sophomore Madison Martin started playing ice hockey five years ago and fell in love with the competitive sport. Putting her all into every practice and game, Martin strives to be the best player she can be every time she steps onto the ice.
“I live for the competition. I really love playing hard games against hard people. Knowing at the end of the day, I just played a good match against a good team, and I’m a good player,” Martin said. “I feel like the reward factor is really big for me.”
