D9Sports.com and EYT Media are doing a series of player profiles on returning high-school athletes this summer. The year in school listed by the athlete is the year the athlete is entering this fall.
DEREK RIEDER – Senior – Cameron County
Son of: Wes and Stephanie Rieder
Sports Played: Football and Basketball
2015-16 Highlights: Derek was the starting quarterback for the Red Raiders and threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns while also running for a pair of two-point conversion. In basketball, Rieder was the second-leading scorer for the Red Raiders averaging 8.7 points per game.
Post High School Goals: Rieder is planning on going to college and majoring in sports journalism and communication. He would love to walk on and play sports at whatever school he ends up choosing, if possible.
Q&A With Derek Rieder
D9Sports: Do you have a favorite sport, and if so why?
DR: Football, it builds character and there is nothing quite like the Friday Night Lights.
D9: What is your best high-school related sports memory and why?
DR: Beating Oswayo Valley in the first round of the district basketball playoffs last year (2016). It was a packed gym and a great atmosphere. It went right down to the final second, and we won 49-48.
D9: Has there been a coach and/or teacher who has influenced you the most in your high-school career to this point, and if so, why?
DR: Coach (Mike) Kunes (the former Cameron County head football coach). He instilled the value of hard work in me.
D9: What do you like best about playing sports in high school?
DR: Sports take a lot of perseverance and hard work, and I think that is most important in real life. It also builds friendships and memories that will last forever.
D9: What is the hardest part about playing sports in high school?
DR: Trying to balance being the best you can be at the sport, balancing school work and also trying to have a social life is the hardest for me.
D9: How much offseason work do you put into your sports?
DR: After basketball season ends, I start the offseason lifting program, and I’m lifting as much as possible. I find myself in the gym a tremendous amount, whether it be open gyms or working on my craft.
D9: What is your favorite subject in school?
DR: English
D9: What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t playing sports?
DR: I enjoy getting involved with the community and helping out. I like to hangout with my friends as well.
D9: What are your goals for the upcoming school year both sports wise and academically?
DR :I want to be an honor roll student. I want to be an AML All-Star and I want to make the Big 30 and Frank Varischetti All-Star games in football. In basketball, I want to be first-team All-NTL.
