A visionary initiative is now available to local athletes and community groups: the newly opened Sports Equipment Library at the Republic Community Center. Founded by Republic High School soon-to-be senior Hayden Hradek, this program offers a wide range of sports gear—helmets, balls, pads, bats and more—for free six-month borrowing periods.  Coaches of youth teams in the Republic Parks league are able to check the equipment out for players who do not have the necessary equipment. A ribbon-cutting ceremony in late July commemorated the library’s launch, built inside a converted shipping container behind the community center. Community coaches and residents can borrow equipment by visiting during operating hours and completing a short online form. Driven by Personal Experience Hayden, a standout nose guard on the state runner-up football team, drew on his own childhood challenges to create the program. Raised by a single working mother, he and his family once had to choose bet...