Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight: Braxton Riha

Kewaunee High School

Sports: Football/basketball/track

Parents: Ed and Janel Riha

Siblings: Breanna Riha

Social media accounts: None

Position or events: Football - offensive tackle, basketball - center, track - I throw discus and shot put.

Career highlight:  Deflecting a pass against Kiel, and D lineman Brayden Obry picked it off.

At what age did you start playing your sport?

I started playing football in fifth grade.

Who introduced you to the sport?

Friends introduced me to football at school and my family encouraged me to pursue football.

Have you ever played any other sports? If so, has this always been your favorite?

I have played football, basketball, baseball and track. Football has always been a favorite of mine. The atmosphere I feel doesn’t compare to any other sports.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?

I was first introduced to the weight room my freshman year and definitely prioritized academics more than training. Now as a senior I take both seriously especially knowing what my future has in store for me.

What is your favorite part about the sport?

Football has a crazy atmosphere that I feel brings school spirit together more than any other sport. In football there are also more variables that can affect the success of the sport. You need to rely on eleven guys at a time which is more than any other sport.

What about your sport has caused you to stick with it for this long?  

I love playing the game with teammates I am very close with. This brotherhood bond is something I will always cherish in the sport of football.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to and why?

Tanor Bortolini who was recently drafted into the NFL is a big inspiration to me. Tanor being Kewaunee alumni went through the same high school career I experienced and I look up to him.

What would you say is your biggest asset as an athlete?

I was blessed with a large body frame to help me excel in football, but I would also have to say it’s my work ethic.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?

My favorite moment in high school was my senior year of football when we played Luxemburg-Casco for the first time in a long time and being a division 6 team defeating a division 4 state runner up.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?

I feel I matured mentally while playing sports. I went from a freshman nervous to play. To being a senior knowing I’m the guy who’s got to perform on the court/field.

Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?

None particularly but it’s a must to keep a consistent routine. In our first two weeks of football before school starts I get up at a decent time and stay active until game time.

Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?

Film is a must in almost all sports. It has been proven that knowing the other team’s tendencies and scheme is crucial. Also stretching is a good bonus to stay lose and flexible before a big game.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?

All my coaches I had in my high school career mean a lot to me and I am thankful for the time they sacrificed to better me as an athlete. I also give that same praise to all my past and future teammates.

Favorite song?

Hysteria by Def Leppard

Future plans?

Playing college football at Minnesota State-Mankato and majoring in agribusiness.