Rowing is a new sport for Toner, but she's up for the challenge.

STURGIS — Jane Toner isn’t a big fan of free time, it seems.

The recent Sturgis High School graduate spent her senior year taking a slew of challenging classes. Among them were Advanced Placement (AP) classes in calculus, chemistry and forensics, English and human performance. That helped prepare her for the next level, where Toner will spend her time (free or otherwise) on the Michigan State University campus.

She will also be a member of the Spartans’ rowing team. Rowing is a new sport for Toner, who competed as a swimmer, soccer player and track athlete during her years at Sturgis.

“I met the team and I really enjoyed everyone and I like how they compliment each other,” Toner said of his time at MSU so far. “Everyone is working to get better and they’re all there for each other. It seemed like they wanted to be there and get along, which was nice.”

Toner joins 18 newcomers to the Michigan State University rowing team. This will be the second season for Spartans head coach Stacey Rippetoe.

“We look forward to welcoming this class of new Spartans to the Grand River and to our team,” Rippetoe said in an MSU statement about the incoming class. “It’s exciting to think about all that lies ahead for them, both in terms of rowing and academic achievement and becoming powerful teammates to so many strong women.”

The Spartans have a beginner rowing program that helps teach and place their student athletes involved with the team. Toner said they recruit from many other sports in the high school ranks for the rowing program, such as distance runners, track and field throwers and athletes with a lot of upper body strength. Toner, a distance runner and fairly tall athlete, said she apparently fits the criteria for what they are looking for.

The rowing program is one of the few water sports the Spartans compete in at the varsity level for women. They do not have a varsity rowing team for men.

During her first year on campus and with the team, Toner will spend most of her time outside of the boat. As a crew member, she will learn how to position herself in said boat and learn all the terminology used in the sport. This will be a welcome time for Toner, who is all about preparing for the competition, but not necessarily competing (her words).

“I’m just nervous about going to the competition, but I like to prepare for the competition and then not compete,” she said with a smile.

Toner knows full well that the classroom won’t make her nervous. Her studies have always been an important part of her life and she has the confidence to handle her homework. Her time management skills are also pretty solid, considering her extremely busy schedule during her senior year.

“I always have something to do: swimming, athletics, homework, work, I’m always busy,” she said. “I think I’ll have no idea what I’m going to do if I have free time.”

Toner said she wants to become an orthodontist. It requires a lot of school, a lot of studying. A typical orthodontist completes their undergraduate degree (four years) before heading to dental school, which typically lasts four years as well. On top of that, residency programs can also last two to three years.

A decade of school might be in the future for Toner, but it seems to suit him just fine.

“I told you I don’t like free time,” she said with a smile. “I’m ready to do it. It’s something I want to do and the rowing aspect intrigues me, so I’m looking forward to doing it too.”

Contact sports editor Brandon Watson at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @BwatsonSJ.