Do-it-all Austin Riewer stays local, inks college commitment to Bemidji State

Dec. 1—BEMIDJI — In Austin Riewer's world, there are no days off.

Just as the senior finished the Bemidji High School boy's soccer season, while simultaneously being the kicker for the BHS football team, Riewer is back on the hardwood this winter. He starts his senior boys basketball season with the Lumberjacks on Dec. 2 at St. Cloud Apollo.

In a world where playing one sport is becoming more of the norm, BHS head coach Steve Thompson praised Riewer for devoting himself to other sports, especially two at the same time.

"To be committed to two sports in one season and to be all-in in those, that kind of character and those kind of people are (what) you want to have in your program," Thompson said. "We're lucky to have a kid like Austin in our program."

While Riewer loved playing soccer and football this fall, basketball was always his first love. When you look at his 6-foot-6 frame, you can see why.

He used that to his advantage to get on the varsity squad in his freshman year in the 2022-23 season. He's been a constant in the lineup ever since, known as one of Bemidji's best all-around players on the court.

While his final season with the Jacks will be bittersweet, it will not be his final basketball season played in Bemidji. Riewer will stay close to home to play Division II for Bemidji State next season.

"I'm excited just to be able to play a couple more years," Riewer said. "And especially in front of my home community, just being able to stay home close to my family and play the game I love."

The BSU decision was a no-brainer for Riewer. It was important for him to be with family and see his younger siblings grow up, especially as they enter high school sports. They saw him play, so why can't he watch them play, too?

Riewer's teammates are excited that he gets to continue to play competitive basketball, but few are happier for him than Thompson.

"It's always exciting to watch a kid set a goal and then work for it," he said of Riewer. "It doesn't always happen that you achieve it, but it was a goal of his to play college basketball. I was extremely happy for him to get that opportunity.

"It's fun for him, fun for me. I get to go watch."

Riewer will play for Beavers head coach Mike Boschee, who is the father of Riewer's high school teammate Jaxon. Jaxon, a senior guard, is also expected to play college basketball next year collegiately.