Hoernschmeyer excels in three sports as well as in the classroom

Jan. 13, 2010, 8:30 p.m.

  There are not many dull moments in the life of Canton senior Riley Hoernschmeyer -- and that's just the way he likes it.

  Hoernschmeyer is a rare breed these days -- a high school athlete who competes in a sport each of the three seasons.

  His competitive calendar  this school year kicked off in August when he served as a key member of the Canton tennis team. In November, he traded his racket for a  hockey stick, which he will swap for a lacrosse stick once March rolls around.

  Hoernschmeyer also excels with a No. 2 pencil as is reflected by his 3.9 grade-point average.

  The multi-faceted student athlete took a few moments out of his jam-packed schedule on Tuesday to talk to PlymouthCantonSports.com's Ed Wright.

  ED WRIGHT: After playing travel hockey most of your life, why did you decide to switch to high school hockey this season?

  RILEY HOERNSCHMEYER: Most of the teams in my age group were folding and coach Majszak made it a point to come talk to me (about playing for Canton). I thought that was pretty cool.

  EW: What's the biggest difference between the high school game and travel hockey?

  RH: Last year I played for the Michigan Stars, which played in a ranked division, which is somewhere between travel and triple-A. There are a lot of good players in high school, but in the league I played in last year, all of the players are as good as the best players in high school.

  EW: What have you enjoyed the most so far about this season?

 RH: Playing with the friends that I see at school every day and playing in front of a lot of my friends. There are bigger crowds at the high school games, which is fun."

  EW: How would you describe your game?

  RH: I like to go into the corners and try to make plays. I'm more of a play-maker than I am a scorer.

  EW: How are hockey and lacrosse similar?

  RH: They have a ton in common. You always have to have your head up in both sports and you always have to be looking around because there are always people looking to hit you. The plays are similar, too, like one-timers and quick shots.

  EW: How would you rank the three sports you play in terms of your favorite to play?

  RH: Hockey is No. 1. Lacrosse is second and tennis is third.

  EW: What's your favorite subject in school?

  RH: I've always liked history and I like international relations. I like knowing what's going on in the world.