Conklin’s involvement with disabled sport extends far beyond sled hockey during his 26 years of competition. In 1993, he ranked as high as eighth in the U.S. on the wheelchair tennis circuit and finished second at the Boston Handcycling Marathon in 2000. Conklin was also a member of the U.S. Handcycling Team for several years, and was part of U.S. squads that competed in the Disabled World Championships (1998) and European Championships (1999).  When he isn’t competing, Conklin serves as a program instructor for the disabled. With hobbies that include wheelchair basketball, golf, football, tennis, softball, handcycling, cross-country skiing, kayaking, bowling, rock climbing, fishing, water skiing and scuba diving, Conklin is well-suited to teach a wide variety of sports. 

Recently, Conklin’s instructional services became available to disabled veterans returning home to the U.S. In February of 2005, he and Paralympic teammate Jim Finch taught sled hockey to nine veterans and their families from Fort Hood, Texas, at an event that also offered instruction in both alpine and cross-country skiing. A majority of the players have continued to play with club teams in either Austin or San Antonio. Conklin said he hopes to return to the clinic, which is set to become an annual event.