Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight: Braxton Riha
School: Kewaunee High
Parents: Janel and Ed Riha
What sports do you play at KHS?
I played four years of football, four years of basketball, three years of baseball and am going to participate in one year of track.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
After high school I plan to attend Minnesota State Mankato and pursue football at the collegiate level. I will be majoring in agribusiness in hopes to one day start my own business.
What about Minnesota State stood out to you during the recruiting process?
Out of the six Division II offers, a Division I offer and a PWO to Madison, Minnesota State felt like home. The coaches are incredibly easy to work with and motivate me to be better every day. I will also be able to take the field once again with 2023 graduate Mitchell Thompson.
In previous years, your basketball season has been slowed down by lingering football injuries. This hoops season, you’re healthy and having a big impact on the court for the Storm. How’s that been?
This year it is definitely best for me to be ready to go from the beginning of the basketball season. The previous years I had a role on the team being a JV starter my sophomore year and a varsity sub my junior year. This year I am a varsity starter and one of the senior leaders of the team.
Are you going 100% or do you worry a little bit about injury?
At the varsity level, especially in football, you have to be going 100%. When you take a play off, injuries occur.
Who is your favorite NBA center of all time?
My favorite NBA center has to be Shaquille O’Neal! I feel I play similarly to him by trying to out-muscle my opponents. I’m not the greatest shooter on the team and neither was he.
How important is it for you to keep up with a weight-room routine?
I personally hit the weights four times a week before school. It’s a grind with practice after school and games during the week. I started lifting as a freshman and with two season-ending injuries I feel the weight room helped me bounce back stronger each time. When I look back to when I was a freshman the growth from then to now is very rewarding.
After playing baseball, you’re planning on giving track and field a try this spring. What events do you want to compete in?
This spring I’m going to make the transition from baseball to track and compete in the throwing events. With all the weight room training, throwing shot and discus should be a successful event for me.