Sutton Lecker - Class of 2009

Sutton Lecker - Fox Tales Q&A
 

What year did you graduate?

I graduated from FVL in 2009. 
 

What is your most memorable high school experience?

I have a couple that stand out the most. The first would be when I was a sophomore—I played varsity softball. We were a very young team in a very competitive conference. Not many people thought we had a chance to win many games. We ended up winning the conference that year (up until this past season it was the last time FVL won conference). We also beat New London in the regional final that year which was a huge upset. They were undefeated that season and we beat them 10 to 0 in 5 innings. We had a very special team that year.

Another experience would be being in the play my senior year. It really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. But it showed me that I didn't mind public speaking and that I rather enjoyed it. It is actually what helped shape what I wanted to go to college for. 
 

Who has had the greatest influence on your time at FVL?

My greatest influence was Mr. Zunker. I took as many classes as I could with him. His love for teaching and guiding students shows in all of his work. But his teaching didn't stop in the classroom for me. He was also an influence by being a role model at Camp Bird. I was a camper from 5th through 8th grade and a counselor every year in high school and into college. He always welcomed me back with open arms. His belief in me always gave me such confidence. I could never thank him enough for his guidance. 
 

What are you doing now professionally and how did you get into this career path?

I am currently an Assistant Store Leader at SCHEELS in Appleton. I graduated from UW-La Crosse in 2013 with a Bachelor's in Communication of Radio and Broadcast. I really wanted to be a sports reporter and talk for a living. When I graduated from UWL I moved back to Appleton and needed a job. I applied at SCHEELS as a Speciality Shop Manager for their women's athletic department. I graduated and took a full time job within 19 days of each other. After working in that position for five years I got promoted to my role now. I supervise three of our women's clothing shops and our marketing office where I get to really use my degree on a daily basis. I never thought I would work in retail but SCHEELS is an amazing family and Christian-based company that I could never imagine leaving. Twelve years in, I think they are stuck with me. 
 

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

Fun facts:
When I was in college I worked three jobs - for the UWL Athletic Department, a tanning salon, and Harley Davidson.

I also have two dogs. A 150-pound English Mastiff named Atlas and a 185-pound Newfoundland named Sherman. 
 

What is something valuable you learned during your career?

Hard work pays off. Honestly, putting your heart and soul into something is so rewarding. Throughout my career, I have had different goals. Now, as a manager, one that always holds true is seeing those I supervise succeed. And I want to make sure that is instilled in them. If you put your passion into your work, the benefits will simply amaze you.
 

What’s one lesson from your high school years that still sticks with you?

Just be yourself. High school is a very hard time for a lot of people. It's easy to get lost in figuring out who you think you should be, but letting God lead you and having faith that you are exactly where you are supposed to be helps remove so much of that doubt and confusion. 
 

Anything else you would like to share with the FVL community?

I grew up at FVL far before my four years there. There is nothing like the love that is felt at that school. It is crazy to think that I graduated 16 years ago. I got to go back there this past December because I was invited by one of my cashiers to watch a marketing presentation they did on SCHEELS. It was fun to walk down memory lane as I made my way to the classroom. After the presentation, it really made me know how lucky I am that I still get to live my faith out at work and that young adults get to share that experience as well.

 

 

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