Abraham Lincoln High School strengthens sports programs

Jeff Novotny, Activities Director at Abraham Lincoln High School, highlighted the strong summer of athletic development under new strength coach Adam Loftis. He explained that Iowa’s unique rules allow for full-contact practices throughout the summer, which has helped AL athletes stay prepared year-round. Novotny credited Loftis for working closely with coaches across sports to tailor training while maintaining a solid foundation of core lifts and agility drills.

“Our culture has really shifted from just open gyms to structured summer practices,” Novotny said. “With Adam Loftis leading strength and conditioning, we’ve seen record numbers of athletes showing up and putting in the work. It’s changing the culture, and one of our culture circles is work, so it’s really coming together.”

Novotny stressed the importance of trust between coaches and staff, adding that Loftis’s background and collaboration have made the transition smooth. He also emphasized how consistent coaching staffs, returning head coaches, and strong senior leadership will help carry momentum into the fall season.

“We’re excited about what’s ahead,” Novotny said. “From volleyball on our brand-new court to football with a home-heavy schedule, there’s energy in every program. Leadership comes in many forms—quiet leaders, vocal leaders, underclassmen stepping up—and our goal is to build all of them.”

Beyond athletics, Novotny underscored the role of sports and activities in shaping students’ futures. “When kids leave here, we want them to take leadership, motivation, and hard work into whatever they do next,” he said. “Not everyone will play at the next level, but the lessons learned here stay with them.”

Looking forward, Novotny expressed excitement about the growth of programs like girls’ tennis now played in the fall, a young but talented volleyball team, and continued outreach to incoming freshmen through culture-building initiatives. He reaffirmed his belief in the power of athletics to not just build athletes but prepare students for life.

“Education is about creating the best possible experience for kids,” Novotny said. “It’s about making memories, learning, and becoming better people. That’s what motivates me every year.”