Plettenberg – The sports hall in Böddinghausen buzzed with activity on , as the TV Jahn Plettenberg gymnastics team hosted their first state league competition of the season. Amidst the energetic atmosphere, filled with spectators and children practicing on mats, captain Philip Schüßler showcased not only his athletic prowess but also a deep connection to the club’s history and a commitment to fostering a family-friendly environment.
Schüßler, a veteran of 27 years with the TV Jahn Plettenberg, embodies a dedication to the sport that extends beyond personal performance. He previously competed for TSV Kierspe, maintaining a strong relationship between the two clubs. “This child-friendly, family atmosphere is simply phenomenal. Our opponents usually don’t know anything like this from their halls because not that many people come there, and they think it’s great. We always take our children with us,” Schüßler remarked, highlighting the unique spirit of the TV Jahn competitions.
Schüßler’s journey in gymnastics began at TV Jahn, starting in Rainer Richter’s popular sports group as a kindergartener. He briefly pursued judo alongside gymnastics, training with Rolf Demmer at the Plettenberg JC, reaching the blue belt level before focusing solely on gymnastics under coach Jan Gleitze. This decision marked a turning point, leading him towards the demanding all-around competitions that would define his career.
The path wasn’t without its challenges. Schüßler recalled a period in the mid-90s where balancing both sports became impossible. “But neither was possible,” he explained. “At that time, coach Jan Gleitze began to guide the talented TV Jahn gymnasts towards the Jahn all-around competitions. In addition to gymnastics, athletics, swimming and diving were now part of the training schedule. There was no time left for judo.”
While he considered football, Schüßler ultimately remained dedicated to gymnastics, a decision seemingly validated by his longevity in the sport. He acknowledged a brief period of fatigue with gymnastics but found renewed enthusiasm through coaching the younger generation alongside Jan Gleitze and Sebo Rentrop. “I can’t train as much anymore, you can tell. And I also had a phase when I was a little tired of gymnastics,” Schüßler admitted. “But fortunately this phase didn’t last long. Now I like to go to the gym again with Jan Gleitze two days a week to train the youngsters. Sebo Rentrop trains the older boys.”
Schüßler’s leadership extends beyond training. He emphasizes the importance of team cohesion, initiating brief discussions before each event to focus and motivate his teammates. This approach, he learned from Siggi Reisinger during his time at TSV Kierspe, helps him and his teammates achieve full concentration. He describes himself as an “old school” gymnast, advocating for discipline and structure, particularly for younger athletes.
“The boys have to line up in a row and shut up,” Schüßler stated, reflecting his belief in the importance of focus and respect within the team. He balances this strictness with a commitment to creating a fun and celebratory atmosphere, evident in the post-competition gatherings with opposing teams at the TV Jahn clubhouse, affectionately known as the “Bird House.”
The recent renovation of the “Bird House,” completed after three and a half years of work largely undertaken by club members, has further enhanced the sense of community. The project addressed long-standing structural issues stemming from renovations in the 1980s, ensuring the building’s longevity and providing a welcoming space for members and guests. According to Jan Gleitze, the first chairman of the club, “Eigentlich ist nichts mehr so, wie es mal war” – “Actually, nothing is as it once was.”
Despite his age – nearing 43 – Schüßler continues to compete at a high level, contributing valuable points for his team on the parallel bars and, depending on the difficulty, on the pommel horse. He has remained remarkably injury-free throughout his career, a testament to his technique and dedication. He even recalled breaking his ankle while playing basketball, an injury he later re-injured during gymnastics training on the same leg.
Schüßler’s career has been marked by a strong connection to both TV Jahn and TSV Kierspe. He spent nearly ten years competing for Kierspe when TV Jahn couldn’t field a team in 1999, and he remains proud of the collaborative spirit between the two clubs. “We as TV Jahn and as TSVK can be proud of having brought so many homegrown players into the teams,” he said.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Gaupokalliga season, Schüßler remains optimistic, acknowledging the competition will be fierce. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and preparation, continuing to lead by example as a seasoned veteran and dedicated member of the TV Jahn Plettenberg community. His commitment to the sport, his club, and the next generation of gymnasts ensures that the legacy of TV Jahn Plettenberg will continue to thrive.
