Nicolet National Bank Senior Spotlight: Thomas Stangel, Kewaunee High School

Sports: Football, basketball, track and field

Parents: Dan and Rani Stangel

Siblings: I have two older siblings, Daniel and Natalie, and one younger sister, Gabrielle.

Position or events: I’m the point guard for my basketball team.

Career highlight: Breaking a record that stood for more than 25 years in basketball.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?

I started playing organized basketball in second grade.

Who introduced you to the sport?

My brother and cousin introduced me to basketball.

Has this always been your favorite sport?

Not always. I always loved baseball as well but basketball ended up being for me.

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

Freshman year was difficult at times, but by my senior year I had it figured out and it was pretty easy.

What is your favorite part about this sport?

Getting to play in packed gyms in front of my city. 

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

Coaching along the way really pushed me to get better, and I loved every second of it.

Is there a professional athlete you look up to? If so, who?

Yes, Joey Chestnut.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/court/ice?

My sports IQ; I try to be the smartest player on every court or field I play on.

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

Beating Kiel in the regional final to win our first regional title in over 20 years.

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

Really cool, I got to accomplish a lot of goals I had in mind and I left my mark at my school.

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

Before every sporting event I hug my mom and shake my dad’s hand.

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

Yes, I don’t try anything new, I just try to perfect what I know as much as I can so I’m ready for anything.

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

My former coach Luke Neitzel, he really formed me into the basketball player I became by always pushing me to be the best that I could.

Any hobbies outside of sports? 

I like to hunt and workout.

Favorite song?

“It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” by Jimmy Buffet.

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?

Water.

Future plans?

I plan on going to UW-Oshkosh and major in sports science.