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Cincinnati LSC Teams Up With German Enthusiasts for Historic Steinholding Contest
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 16:27 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Celebrating Heritage, Sports, and Community: The Local Sports Commission’s Innovative Steinholding Event
In a spirited blend of athletic enthusiasm and German cultural pride, the Cincinnati Local Sports Commission (LSC) has joined forces with a group of local German enthusiasts to host a one‑of‑a‑kind Steinholding contest. The event, featuring local favorites Ben Huffman, Moerlein, Those Guys, Mike, and Willi, was unveiled in a feature by Local 12 News on March 29, 2024. The partnership promises to raise funds for a community‑oriented sports program while simultaneously celebrating the region’s rich German heritage.
What is a Steinholding Event?
A Steinholding competition is a traditional German pastime that tests a participant’s endurance and strength by having them hold a full beer stein—typically around 0.5–0.6 liters—for as long as possible. Though it sounds simple, it is an exercise in patience, focus, and, for many, a symbol of camaraderie. In the United States, such contests have become popular at Oktoberfest celebrations and community festivals, offering a fun, low‑barrier activity that attracts both locals and tourists.
The Cincinnati LSC’s new event, however, pushes the concept into the realm of sports. The contest is slated to take place at the historic Riverfront Sports Complex on the night of April 15, 2024, during the “Oktoberfest & Game Night” festival that has become a staple of the city’s spring calendar. Contestants will be judged not only on how long they can hold the stein but also on how they combine the challenge with a display of athletic skill—think balancing a ball on a stick while holding the beer stein, or performing a series of short sprint drills while keeping the stein upright.
The Key Players
| Name | Role in the Event | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Huffman | Head of Outreach, LSC | Former Cincinnati Reds scout, now the LSC’s liaison to local amateur leagues. |
| Moerlein | Event Sponsor & Beer Partner | Cincinnati’s largest local micro‑brewery, known for its flagship German‑style Pilsners. |
| Those Guys | Marketing & Community Engagement | A grassroots organization of local volunteers who organize festivals and charity events. |
| Mike | Chief of Operations | Former high‑school coach who now coordinates all logistical aspects of the event. |
| Willi | Cultural Advisor | A Cincinnati native of German descent who has run the city’s annual Oktoberfest since 2010. |
The article highlights that each participant brings a distinct skill set to the event: Huffman’s contacts within the sports world ensure a roster of athletes willing to compete; Moerlein supplies high‑quality beer steins and sponsors the event’s official trophy; Those Guys handles promotion on social media and local radio; Mike’s operational expertise guarantees a smooth schedule; and Willi provides the cultural context that keeps the celebration rooted in tradition.
The Collaboration Process
The article outlines how the LSC approached a local German heritage association—Cincinnati German Club—to co‑organize the event. The club’s president, Anna Müller, explained that the idea sprang from a conversation at a recent community meeting about how to combine sports and heritage celebrations. “We’re looking for new ways to engage the community,” Müller said. “The steinholding contest is a light‑hearted way to bring people together, and aligning it with a sports commission makes it inclusive.”
The LSC’s director, Karen Brooks, emphasized that the partnership was guided by shared values: promoting healthy competition, encouraging community participation, and supporting local youth sports. “Our mission has always been to foster a love of sports across all ages,” Brooks said. “This event adds an element of fun and culture that appeals to a broader audience.”
The article notes that the planning committee met weekly for a month to finalize rules, safety protocols, and a scoring system. Because the event blends physical activity with a drinking component, the committee implemented measures such as providing water stations, ensuring participants were within age limits, and including a “no‑drinking” option for athletes who prefer not to consume alcohol.
Community Impact and Fundraising Goals
The primary goal of the Steinholding event is to raise funds for the Youth Sports Academy (YSA), a Cincinnati‑based program that offers free summer leagues for under‑privileged children. The article quotes Huffman stating that “every dollar raised will directly support field maintenance, equipment purchases, and transportation for kids who can’t otherwise afford to participate.” The LSC has pledged to match the funds raised up to $10,000, doubling the impact.
Additionally, the event will feature a silent auction featuring signed memorabilia from local sports legends, craft stalls from regional artisans, and a “German Kitchen” food cart that serves sauerbraten and pretzels. All proceeds from food sales are earmarked for the YSA as well.
A Unique Blend of Sports and Culture
In the piece, several interviews capture the enthusiasm of the organizers and participants. Mike, who will manage the day‑of‑operations, said the event offers an opportunity to “show athletes how sports can be part of larger celebrations.” He highlighted that the steinholding contest will be recorded and posted on the LSC’s YouTube channel, offering an engaging social media component that could inspire similar events nationwide.
Willi expressed excitement about reintroducing a classic German tradition in a modern context. “In Germany, beer steins are more than a drinking vessel,” he noted. “They’re an emblem of hospitality and community. Bringing that to Cincinnati keeps our heritage alive and adds a layer of unity to our sports community.”
Looking Ahead
While the article is primarily a preview of the upcoming event, it hints at future collaborations. The LSC’s website (linked in the piece) states that the commission is exploring a “Steinholding League” that would run throughout the year, pairing local high‑school teams with community members. The local German association is also interested in expanding the event into a multi‑sport festival that could include soccer, softball, and even a “Stein‑holding obstacle course.”
The article encourages local residents to register early. It provides a registration link (directed to a form on the LSC website) and lists the first 10 participants who have already signed up. Among them are notable names: Ben Huffman, Mike, Willi, and several local athletes from the Cincinnati Reds’ minor league affiliates.
Final Thoughts
The LSC’s partnership with the German enthusiasts for a Steinholding event illustrates the creative ways communities can merge tradition, sport, and philanthropy. By involving local personalities and leveraging the region’s German heritage, the event is set to become a new staple in Cincinnati’s community calendar. The dual focus on fundraising for youth sports and celebrating cultural heritage promises to attract a wide range of participants—from die‑hard sports fans to those curious about German customs. As the article highlights, the event not only offers a fun challenge but also strengthens community bonds, giving Cincinnati a fresh way to raise funds, foster healthy competition, and honor its multicultural roots.
Read the Full Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati Article at:
[ https://local12.com/news/arc-cincinnati/local-sports-commission-teams-with-german-enthusiasts-for-unique-steinholding-event-ben-huffman-moerlein-those-guys-mike-and-willi ]
