Langmack Inspires at MSU

Giving Back to the Game: Coach Max Langmack

JR WPH Press, Tucson, Arizona, April, 2022

Race for Eight professional handball player and Junior WPH Coach Max Langmack made the three-hour drive from Olathe, Kansas, to his alma mater, Missouri State University to work with the Missouri State handball class. The introductory class is taught by Coach Tommy Burnett’s daughter, Jeni Hopkins-Burnett, now the head coach of Missouri State Handball, and a Missouri State University Handball player, Christian Madsen. The former Missouri State All-American and now top 10 Race 4 Eight pro, Langmack, worked with the students on various types of serves and the purpose of those serves. Coach Max also covered the fundamentals of back walls. 

“I love watching the improvement of everyone in the class,” stated Coach Madsen. “Some players could hardly hit the ball on day one, and now four weeks later they are rallying and having tons of fun. To see every student feeling successful and see themselves improving is such a joy. Hopefully they continue playing beyond the class and recognize it as a fun and challenging way to exercise, but just introducing people to the sport and making it fun is my focus.”

“I love the handball class because it is energizing to see new players learn the “perfect” game,” stated Coach Jeni Hopkins-Burnett. “It is also nice to see players that have played revisit their fundamentals and advance their skills. I am also honored to carry on the legacy of my father, Dr. Tommy Burnett. One of the main goals is to promote the game and expand exposure. The class is also a great recruiter! I hope students learn a new game, see the health benefits of playing a lifetime sport that is a great aerobic sport and a great cross training sport. My hope is also for them to develop determination skills to master this game…which we all know is not possible! Which is why it is so addicting to play!!”

Thank you to Coach Max for making the trip from Kansas to Springfield, MO to inspire Missouri State’s handball class. Thank you to Coaches Jeni Hopkins-Burnett and Christian Madsen for coaching the class and ensuring that Missouri State handball remains at the forefront of college handball.

Photos and all info courtesy of Max Langmack.

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