Philip Sierra said his stereotype of a politician was that of someone “old and grumpy (who) doesn’t want to meet with kids.”

So, the Southwest Junior High School freshman said he was surprised after hearing U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun speak Friday at his school, 2511 Inverness Drive. He described Ryun as “happy to be there.”

“He didn’t say, ‘No, I’m not going to answer that, I’d rather not,'” the 15-year-old said.

Ryun, a three-time Olympian and Republican Kansas congressman from the 2nd District since 1996, spoke to about 100 ninth-graders at Southwest. Part of west Lawrence is included in the district he represents.

He told the teens a story about his early failure as an athlete, explained some facts about Congress and fielded questions on issues such as gay marriage, abortion and the war in Iraq.

The teens laughed when he recounted his tale of baseball woe growing up.

“I went from the outfield to the infield to the bench, and then I was cut from the team,” Ryun said. “And it was a church baseball team.”

He told them to surround themselves with encouraging people and follow their dreams.

U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun chats with ninth-graders at Southwest Junior High School about issues pertaining to the federal government. Ryun, who travels back to Washington D.C. for the presidential inauguration next week, visited the school on Friday.

“Disappointing experiences build character,” he said. “God gave me some wonderful talent — so search out what your talents are.”

Ryun achieved national acclaim as a track and field star. He participated in three Olympics and won a silver medal.

In response to questions, Ryun described himself as “pro-life” on abortion. He said he supports the war in Iraq and the traditional definition of marriage.

Philip said he was surprised Ryun mentioned God and church in his talk.

“I didn’t think most politicians were church-oriented, or they were but didn’t just come out and show (it),” he said.