Sports & Health

Generations before them used to run around the boathouse

Contests & Awards, Events & Celebrations, News, Sports & Health

The weather was perfect, and so were the other conditions: Marcel Kalb, the school’s physical education director, and his team of teachers were greeted at the traditional spring run for grades 5 and 6 at the Steinmühle School & Boarding School by cheerful students who, with a healthy dose of ambition, ran the same course as generations before them.

“All in all, it was another very exciting event with lots of positive energy and plenty of sportsmanship,” said Marcel Kalb happily. “It’s truly gratifying to see how a sporting challenge can motivate a young community and drive them to achieve their best!”

Oliver, Caroline, Abraham, and Anouk were the fastest in their age group

Oliver Mand and Caroline Hecker (both in 5c) were the fastest in the 5th-grade division. Abraham Sow and Anouk Sedlmayr (both in 6a) posted the best time in the 6th-grade division.

The fastest relay teams were from classes 5a and 6b.

The results in detail:

5th Grade Boys – 1st Oliver Mand, 5c (4:39m), 2nd Samuel Pacho, 5a (4:46m), 3. Kai Gundlach, 5b (4:53m)
Grade 5 Girls – 1. Caroline Hecker, 5c (5:18m), 2. Marlene Jerrentrup, 5b (5:28m), 3. Dana Gorr, 5a (5:53m)
Grade 5 Relay – 1. 5a (3:47m), 2. 5b (3:51m), 3. 5c (4:01m), 4. 5i (4:03m)

6th Grade Boys – 1st Abraham Sow, 6a (4:40m), 2nd Philipp Leont, 6b (4:49m), 3. Leo Niederhöfer, 6c (5:00m)
Grade 6 Girls – 1. Anouk Sedlmayr, 6a (5:19m), 2. Alea Stübner, 6i (5:24m), 3. Clara Koch, 6c (5:29m)
Grade 6 Relay – 1. 6b (3:44m), 2. 6a (3:46m), 3. 6i (3:49m), 4. 6c (3:50m)

13. May 2025

Cycling to the Steinmühle—and doing so for years: An Interview

Ecology and Sustainability, News, Sports & Health

A generation of cyclists is leaving Steinmühle along with this year’s graduating class. Steinmühle teacher Ines Vielhaben sat down for a conversation with two of them, Anton and Leo.

Vielhaben: When did you start riding your bike to school, and what made your parents let you do that at such a young age?

Leo: I’ve been biking to Steinmühle since fifth grade, with a few exceptions in the winter when I took the bus. My father also went to that school and used to bike there back then—so it just made sense for me to do the same.

Anton: I’ve also been riding my bike to school since fifth grade. I used to walk to elementary school, but when I started middle school, my friends—including Leo—and I got together to form a biking group.

“It won’t be any faster by car or bus”

Vielhaben: What advantages do you see in riding your bike to school instead of being driven by car or taking public transportation?

Leo: Well , ever since I turned 18, I’ve been driving to the Steinmühle every now and then when I get the car, and I’ve noticed for myself that driving a car or taking the bus isn’t any faster.

“I feel more balanced”

Anton: Besides saving time, it’s also convenient to be able to head out on a whim—for example, when school lets out early. Plus, I feel more balanced when I get some fresh air and exercise in the morning. Bus rides, on the other hand, I often found more exhausting and tiring.

Vielhaben: Have you discovered any special routes that are great for biking?

Leo: We always drive through the Cappeler Felder.

Anton: My walk to school is almost entirely car-free. I only come into brief contact with traffic at one bridge. That makes the walk pleasant and relaxing.

Vielhaben: Were there any challenges with your daily cycling? How did you handle them?

“Exercise warms you up.”

Leo: Sometimes our large group—at times as many as twelve people—was a hindrance to others. Some people didn’t like that very much. Other than that, I hardly had any negative experiences.

Anton: Sure , rain and cold can be challenging sometimes. But with gloves and weatherproof clothing, it’s manageable. After a few minutes of riding, you warm up anyway from the exercise.

Vielhaben: How has cycling affected your daily life, your fitness, and your health?

Leo: The total distance I walk each day is about 12 kilometers—it keeps you in shape without you even realizing it.

Anton: I also use my bike for after-school activities or when I go to practice. Even when I have the option to take the bus, I prefer to ride my bike because it’s more relaxing. I’d like to keep doing that in the future, too.

Vielhaben: Are there any special experiences that have stuck with you?

Anton: In the winter, there was always a frozen puddle in the Cappeler fields that we would ride over on purpose. Sometimes we’d even leave 20 minutes early. It was a fun challenge—to see who could fall the coolest or stay balanced the longest (laughs).

“Sustainable behavior doesn’t have to mean making sacrifices”

Vielhaben: Has cycling influenced your attitude toward environmental protection?

Leo: The environmental aspect was never the main reason for me, but of course it plays a part. That’s why I think it’s a good thing, and I’ll keep doing it.

Anton: I think it shows that sustainable behavior doesn’t have to be complicated or mean making sacrifices. When there are good bike paths, it’s easy to choose to ride a bike.

Vielhaben: What advice would you give to younger students and their parents who are considering biking to school?

Leo: Just give it a try! It’s best to do it with friends—it’s more fun in a group. It’s especially worth it when the weather’s nice.

Anton: Parents don’t need to worry. Kids are careful when they ride their bikes, and it’s safe across the Cappeler Feld. Plus, biking keeps you fit in the long run.

“Tires should be inflated, and the lights should work”

Vielhaben: Do you need a specific type of bike for the ride to school?

Leo: No , not at all. As long as the tires are inflated and the lights are working, we’re good to go.

Vielhaben: Do you prefer backpacks or bike bags?

Leo: A backpack —that’s more practical.

Vielhaben: Are there any improvements that could make biking to school even more appealing?

Anton: Yeah , the path from the boathouse is a constant issue. It gets especially muddy in the spring and fall, and you end up with mud splattered all over your back.

Vielhaben: Fortunately , for some time now, you’ve had the option of riding along the newly paved Steinmühlenweg when it’s wet out. Thank you very much for the interview, and good luck on your high school graduation exams—which I’m sure you’ll be riding your bikes to as well!

1. April 2025

Wheelchair User Conquers the Ski Slope: Robin on a Ski Trip in Mayrhofen

News, Sports & Health, Steinmühle on the Road

Taking a wheelchair user on a ski trip? Does that sound crazy?

The Steinmühle loves to be a little crazy! That’s exactly what we did.

Robin Richter, a student at Steinmühlen, does everything his classmates do. Well, almost everything. There was no way he was going to miss his grade’s upcoming ski trip. And so, all the necessary arrangements were made so that he could zoom down the slopes in Mayrhofen on a tandem ski.

“Testing the waters” in Winterberg

With great care and attention, we observed in advance how Robin performed while bi-skiing with his father in his hometown of Winterberg. Seeing that opened up new possibilities! Accompanied by his father Christian and a personal chaperone from Steinmühle, the tour bus set off for Mayrhofen, Austria, carrying our 8th-grade class and several supervising teachers. The group’s destination: our Gschößwandhaus, which has been a trusted choice for decades.

Down into the valley at high speed

While most of the teaching staff spent the day working on the entire group’s skiing skills—teaching the basics or refining their technique—Christian’s father and his instructor took turns gliding down the slope with Robin. Although “gliding” is only partly accurate. As various “evidence videos” show, the duo picked up an astonishing amount of speed on their descent and were easily able to keep up with many other skiers in terms of speed.

High praise for the Steinmühle team

Robin spent the evenings—and thus the social part of the mountain retreat—with his classmates. “Our son wasn’t just there; he was right in the thick of it,” recalls his father, Christian: “The safety and care he received allowed both him and me not only to participate in skiing with growing enthusiasm, but also to make noticeable progress. This means a great deal to both of us, and we are deeply grateful for this experience.” Addressed to Principal Björn Gemmer: “You can be proud to have such a dedicated and passionate faculty.”

“Trip to Expand Your Skills”

School athletic director Marcel Kalb summed it up: “This wasn’t just a recreational or fun trip, but rather an educational trip designed to develop physical and mental skills as well as social skills.”

Since Steinmühle is already home to an inclusive water sports center and a state training center for para-rowing, this event has once again underscored that all students are in the right place here with us—whether they get around on two legs or four wheels.

Angela Heinemann

26. March 2025

A New Management Team to Lead Steinmühle into the Future of Equestrian Sports

Life at Boarding School, News, Sports & Health

Expertise Meets New Vision: At the start of the year, the Steinmühle Equestrian Center set the course for the future. Thomas Trischberger and Isabella Ranz have moved from Upper Bavaria to Marburg and are bringing equestrian activities at the Steinmühle up to a modern standard. The two-time Bavarian U25 champion and the experienced riding instructor are bringing not only several horses but also a wealth of experience with them. Their enthusiasm has won over the management, boarders, and riding students alike.

Buildings inevitably age, and regulations change. When the school and boarding school merged, it became clear that the Steinmühle equestrian facility needed investment. Thanks to the Buurman family, the founders, Steinmühle has been associated with equestrian sports for decades and has developed a strong reputation that extends beyond the region. Young riders—often girls interested in boarding school—have found and continue to find a new home at Steinmühle, both for themselves and their own horses, and certainly for their hobby. “It would have been very difficult for us to do without this flagship of Steinmühle,” explains Managing Director Dirk Konnertz.

The Steinmühlen network led to a bullseye.

Sometimes, knowing someone who knows you can lead to the solution you’ve been dreaming of. Head rowing coach Martin Strohmenger, the face of the second major sports offering in the Steinmühle portfolio, knows a lot of people. The driving force, known simply as “Stromi,” remembered Petra Stähle in southern Germany, who once learned to ride at the Steinmühle riding school near Buurmans and still practices the sport today. Through her, contact was established with Thomas and Isabella, who quickly became deeply involved with the situation in Marburg. After a meeting on-site with management, it was clear to both sides: this could work.

Once expectations and possibilities on one side had been aligned with requirements and ideas on the other, we moved right into implementation. Since early February, Tom and Isa have been working as operations managers, overseeing the horses’ housing, grooming, mucking out, farrier services, medical care, and the procurement and monitoring of feed. Three employees assist them in these tasks. For riding lessons, it’s not just the availability of suitable school horses that’s essential, but also that of riding equipment. This includes, in particular, saddles, bridles, and gaiters. And everything has to be maintained.

Goal: A modern, forward-looking equestrian facility

In terms of facilities, the young couple is currently making do with conditions that, while offering temporary protection of existing rights, have no future. The stalls no longer meet current standards, and the arena is not competition-sized. Tom and Isa are currently focused on making the transition as smooth as possible for schoolchildren, horses, and staff. However, such a restructuring takes time—whether it involves organizing daily routines, adapting housing conditions, or planning future measures. “Our goal is to gradually transform the Steinmühle into a modern and forward-looking equestrian facility that offers optimal conditions for riders and horses. Once this transition is complete, we will place greater emphasis on training, lessons, and athletic development.”The couple running the facility not only want to provide basic training in all equestrian disciplines and offer a home for boarders’ horses, but also to create the conditions that enable their students to participate in equestrian competitions at various levels.Several sponsors have already recognized that knowledge and skill meet ambition here—all with a shared vision.

The supporters’ group is open to new members.

Isabella Ranz took her first steps as a stable hand on the outskirts of Vienna. That’s where her journey with horses began—not as a rider on a sponsored competition horse, but through hard work in the stable, such as feeding, mucking out, and caring for the horses. This time not only taught her to treat horses with respect, but also deepened her understanding of the animals’ needs.

Eager to delve deeper into the world of dressage, she began training with the renowned national dressage instructor Tamara Brandner, who has brought numerous horses to the Grand Prix level. Her next step took her to Carinthia, where, alongside her studies, she worked for Christian Schumach—a two-time Olympian and trainer of numerous Grand Prix horses—as well as for Stephanie Dearing, Austria’s most renowned young horse rider, who also has experience training horses up to the Grand Prix level.

Isabella then went on to Munich to train with Uwe Schwanz, a recipient of the Golden Riding Badge in show jumping and dressage. With his experience as a trainer of numerous Grand Prix horses and his successes in both disciplines, Isabella had the opportunity here to further deepen her knowledge and gain valuable insights into training at the highest level. It was through him that she eventually met her current fiancé, Thomas Trischberger. This led her to decide to take a position at the Trischberger Dressage Training Center on Lake Tegernsee rather than, as originally planned, moving north to a well-known German stud farm.

Thomas Trischberger was introduced to equestrian sports at an early age. From the age of 8 to 15, his brother trained him. Under his brother’s guidance, he developed a solid foundation in dressage and soon learned to take responsibility for handling horses. This period laid the foundation for his passion and athletic ambitions.

At age 15, Thomas began training under two-time Olympic champion and two-time world champion Ulla Salzgeber and benefited from her exceptional expertise until he turned 18. At the same time, he was a member of the Bavarian state team from the age of 15 to 25. This period allowed him to gain valuable competition experience at the national and international levels, receive additional guidance from the country’s top coaches, and continuously expand his knowledge and skills.

After his time with Ulla Salzgeber, Tom began his professional career in equestrian sports. He completed his apprenticeship with Master Equine Manager Isabell Dehning, during which he also received training in show jumping. This phase allowed him to broaden his range of riding skills and gain valuable experience on the show jumping course.

At the same time, Thomas Trischberger was trained by Christian Lanterdinger. Under his guidance, he continuously refined both his own riding skills and the training of his own horses. From the ages of 23 to 25, he was ultimately selected for the national squad, where he received training at the highest level and demonstrated his skills on the international stage. In addition to these successes, Thomas Trischberger has always been particularly committed to passing on his knowledge, sharing his passion for equestrian sports with the next generation, and guiding them on their journey.

Isabella Ranz and Thomas Trischberger are also members of the newly elected board of the Steinmühle Riding Club. The board is composed as follows:

🔹 Petra Stähle, President
🔹 Isabella Ranz, Vice President
🔹 Treasurer, Maike Lorenz
🔹 Secretary, Sabrina Schneider
🔹 Sports Director, Tom Trischberger
🔹 Youth Director, Chiara Cordes

12. March 2025

Hanne Wolf works as a psychologist at Steinmühle

Life at Boarding School, News, Sports & Health

A listening ear, a tip, a perspective: Hanne Wolf, a licensed psychologist, joined the staff at Steinmühle this fall. Her advice and assistance are particularly sought after at the points of contact between students, teachers, parents, and the educational team. “I’m here for all of them, but first and foremost, I want to be a point of contact for the students,” explains the psychological psychotherapist and mother of three.

Hanne Wolf’s counseling is provided on a voluntary basis. Anyone who seeks a conversation with her does so of their own free will. If there’s a problem at school or boarding school, her tips, advice, or mediation can be helpful. An outside, neutral perspective, an assessment—and often a problem that seemed insurmountable just moments before is quickly resolved.

Confidentiality and Discretion

The psychologist not only has an office on the Steinmühlen campus but is also part of a group practice in Marburg. She has a wide range of experience, whether dealing with eating disorders, depression, or school- or family-related problems. Hanne Wolf is bound by confidentiality. If a minor student comes to see her, the initial consultation takes place without parental consent and remains confidential—unless otherwise requested and discussed.

Hanne Wolf does not provide psychotherapy at the Steinmühle. The time frame is not designed for that. However, visiting her office in the boarding school building is a good place to discuss a problem, find a solution, or consider next steps.

Sessions with Hanne Wolf last 45 minutes each and can be scheduled via the StoneApp. This is arranged through the teacher.

In the future, school social work should serve as a complement

Steinmühle is also considering hiring a school social worker. This area is intended to complement the psychologist’s work in the near future. Among other things, it involves direct and preventive conflict support—for example, during class—as well as direct and preventive conflict mediation. This can refer to conflicts between students, but also to those between students and teachers. It also involves providing strategies for de-escalating deadlocked disputes, as well as counseling students facing difficult life situations. These situations may include frustration with school, bullying, conflicts, as well as problems at home, personal issues, or questions regarding sexuality.

5. March 2025

Our partner, Blau-Gelb Marburg, hosted the judo championships at the Steinmühle

Collaborations & Partnerships, News, Sports & Health

The Steinmühle recently hosted the Hessian Judo Championships. In the new, large sports hall, the motto for numerous teams was: Focus! For the Steinmühle, it was also a day of active collaboration. As a partner of the Sportfreunde Blau-Gelb Marburg, it had spontaneously made it possible to host the event after the club was no longer offered any other venue options.

The championships were also a big day for another partner, the German Institute for the Blind (blista). Their athlete , Arda Yilmaz—16 years old and completely blind—impressed with his outstanding performance. He, too, competed for Sportfreunde Blau-Gelb Marburg.

Marcel Kalb: “Interest in the Japanese martial art is growing”

At Steinmühle, about 20 students from the bilingual elementary school and high school are currently participating in a judo club. This program has been in place for some time now. “The plan is for interested students from our club to be able to participate in such championships in the future,” explains school sports director Marcel Kalb. According to Kalb, the partnership with the judo department at Blau-Gelb has been running very smoothly and on an equal footing for years and is attracting growing interest among the student body. The judo department also made a very valuable contribution to Steinmühle’s sports project days last summer.

20. February 2025

Recognition for Dedication to the Steinmühle School Garden

Contests & Awards, Ecology and Sustainability, News, Sports & Health

Great news to end the year: In the 2024 school garden campaign organized by the magazine “Mein kleiner schöner Garten” (published by Burda in Offenburg), the team led by teacher María Ramos won a gourmet gift package worth 50 euros from TressBrüder. Principal Björn Gemmer congratulated the team on this prize and the accompanying certificate, which recognized their interest and creativity, and thanked María Ramos for her ongoing dedication to gardening and for participating in the contest.

In fact, we’re all already excited to see what will grow, thrive, and bloom again at the Steinmühle this spring and summer!

19. December 2024

Steinmühle won the Marburg ABI Cup!

Contests & Awards, Life at Boarding School, News, Sports & Health

Now that’s what we call taking care of things in a timely manner! The Steinmühlen Class of 2025 kicked off its final school year with a great idea: It organized a citywide soccer “ABIcup” and invited the soon-to-be high school graduates from all schools in Marburg to participate.

The tournament took place on September 21 at the Cappeler Köppel Stadium. The modest admission fee of 2 euros and the proceeds from the sale of hot dogs and drinks went toward the ABI fund. “The ABI Cup organized by the Steinmühlen Class of 2025 was meant to be a change of pace from the usual graduation parties,” reported Alicia Spitzhüttl on behalf of the graduation committee. “We also wanted to bring schools together and strengthen the bonds within our own class. The highlight of the tournament was, of course, that our boys were able to bring home the victory!” she said happily.

The Steinmühle’s Class of 2025 promoted the event—and later its results—on their Instagram account. By the way, the students there would definitely appreciate some followers and likes! They’ve certainly earned them for bringing their great idea to life.

24. September 2024

Goodbye to Grades: Physical Education Sets New Standards

News, Sports & Health

Goodbye, numerical grades! At Steinmühle, physical education classes for grades 5 through 8 will soon feature quality certificates instead of grades. This innovative change was recently approved unanimously at the last faculty meeting and marks an important step toward a more modern and multi-perspective approach to physical education at our school, reports Benedikt Hohmann on behalf of the physical education department.

The quality certificates will be introduced gradually starting next school year. Fifth-grade classes will thus be the first to experience this new form of performance assessment in physical education. Steinmühle is working closely with other schools that have already taken this step.

“We are convinced that this innovation will have a positive impact on physical education, the sports culture at Steinmühle, and the motivation of our students,” said Benedikt Hohmann. “We are looking forward to the new opportunities and are eager to see what we will learn from the quality certifications.”

21. August 2024

Liam Bacht – a young archer on the path to success

Contests & Awards, News, Sports & Health

During the 2023–24 school year, Liam Bacht was in fifth grade at Steinmühle. But even now, this young student has a hobby that has made him well-known far beyond the school grounds: archery. He took up the sport in the summer of 2022, and he has been passionate about it ever since. With the support of his parents, Liam trains regularly at his archery club’s grounds and shows tremendous dedication.

Seventh Place at the “Vegas Shoot”

This dedication is paying off, as Liam is already competing in numerous tournaments. In an interview, he explained that the tournaments are held at various levels—from district and state competitions to Germany-wide and Europe-wide tournaments, as well as world championships. He is particularly proud of his victory at the Hesse state level, where he won the gold medal by an impressive margin of 30 rings.

But Liam doesn’t just think locally—he’s taking his bow and arrow out into the world. A highlight of his career so far was competing in an international tournament in the U.S. He traveled to the U.S. with his parents, where he faced off against about 80 of the world’s best archers and ultimately achieved an outstanding seventh-place finish—a success that Liam and his family are rightly proud of.

The venue where Liam competed in an archery tournament in the U.S. is the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada. That’s where the “Vegas Shoot” takes place every year—one of the largest and most prestigious indoor archery events in the world. The competition attracts participants from all over the world, including many talented archers like Liam. The venue is located in the southwest part of Las Vegas and offers an impressive space for the competitions and accompanying activities.

There, he also met the German national team, which made him pretty excited. Meeting the top athletes and experiencing the international atmosphere were a special experience for Liam. Despite his nerves, he demonstrated his skills and ultimately finished in an outstanding seventh place. This already ranks him among the world’s best young archers.

A young athlete with big goals

“Getting to travel to the desert for the competition was a dream come true. It motivated me even more,” Liam says, looking back on his participation in the “Vegas Shoot.” His enthusiasm for archery is palpable—and he knows exactly what makes this sport special. “In archery, it’s important to stay calm. You can learn how to concentrate,” Liam says with conviction.

At just 11 years old, he already has clear goals in mind. He’s especially looking forward to his 13th birthday, because once he turns 13, he’ll finally be able to compete in the German Championships. However, he’ll have to wait a little longer to compete in the European Championships or play in the Bundesliga—those competitions are open only to athletes 18 and older.

“I want to become a pro”

Despite his impressive achievements, Liam has remained just another ordinary student in his class. His classmates are happy for him and regularly congratulate him whenever he wins another tournament. “For them, my success has almost become the norm,” Liam says with a smile. With his long blond hair and determined demeanor, he’s a standout not only on the tournament court but also at school.

One of Liam’s favorite subjects is German, taught by his teacher Frank Wemme. It was Frank who encouraged Liam to tell the school community about his fascinating hobby. When asked about his plans, Liam says quite clearly, “I want to become a professional.” He knows that the German Armed Forces or the police offer exciting career prospects for elite athletes. If his passion for archery continues, this very path could one day become a reality.

At the moment, Liam Bacht seems to be consistently pursuing his goals. The student trains at least twice a week with his coaching team, consisting of Michael and Judith Icking. With this discipline and support, the odds are good that Liam will achieve his goals. His story impressively demonstrates just how far enthusiasm, perseverance, and strong support can take you. We can’t wait to see what new chapters he’ll write in his athletic career in the future.

20. August 2024