As a young kid growing up in Mequon, Wisc., Jake Heilmann, senior, took up the sport of skiing when his father joined the Heiliger Huegel Ski Club in Hubertus, Wisconsin. “He didn’t know how to ski either, so, in turn, his ambition to learn lead to mine. I then started ski racing when I was in 2nd grade and have continued up until now,” J. Heilmann said.

Heilmann enjoyed skiing throughout his childhood and into his high school years. “It’s a great winter and lifetime sport that can be enjoyed by anyone. My dad’s devotion to driving me out to the hill when I was younger kept me going,” J. Heilmann said.

As his time as a skier progressed, Heilmann’s friendships grew with the other skiers and they became close as a team. “I made many friendships through the race team program, and I looked up to the older racers. I strived to be as good as them someday,” J. Heilmann stated.

His brother, Matt Heilmann, junior, says that being able to ski with Jake has brought them closer together as well as making each other better. “Skiing together has been a huge bonding experience for us. We’ve always been in the same groups, so we both drive each other to be better through our competitiveness,” M. Heilmann reflected.

Matt explained that his brother has been his best teacher and has taught him all he knows about the sport. “He has taught me to be fearless while I’m racing and to always push myself to be better than the previous run,” M. Heilmann said.

Mr. Todd Reineking, head coach, has had the opportunity to coach Heilmann in his four years here at Homestead. “Jacob’s positive attitude and work ethic made him a pleasure to work with and coach. He applies this understanding to every aspect of his life, including school, sports, friends and family,” Coach Reineking stated.

Heilmann was chosen to be one of the captains of this year’s ski team at Homestead. “Being a leader this year was definitely a strange feeling once the season kicked off. I always looked up to the upperclassmen throughout my younger years, and it was odd realizing that now I was that upperclassman that was being looked up to,” he said. “It was weird knowing that this was my final season, and I tried to make the most of it.”

“He is a leader for our team mainly because he expects so much out of us, and his passion gives us a reason to deliver fully as we compete,” M. Heilmann said.
Lizzy Tucker, junior teammate, agreed with Matt. “Jake is an upbeat person and makes things super fun. He makes people feel like a part of the team and makes everyone feel welcome on and off the hill,” Tucker noted.

According to Coach Reineking, Heilmann showed great improvement throughout his four years at Homestead. “Jacob came to the team with a well developed set of skills acquired through WJR (Wisconsin Junior Racers) racing. He was able to add power and strength through Homestead’s weight room and speed and agility training,” Coach Reineking stated.

Once the season came to an end, it was time to say goodbye to Homestead ski for Heilmann. “I’m going to miss ski team a lot. The kids are great, the parents are great, and the coaches are great. I’m very thankful for the past four years,” J. Heilmann reflected.

His brother Matt, however, has one more year to participate in Homestead ski but this was his final year having the pleasure to ski with his older brother and mentor. “Next year will be hard without him, especially since I’ll have to fill his shoes,” M. Heilmann said.

Coach Reineking believes that Heilmann will be missed dearly for many reasons in future years, including “his leadership, his skiing ability, and his kind and genuine personality.”

Tucker’s words were very short and sweet as she said, “I will miss him a lot.”