28 Dec 2016 Neumeier, Panthers embrace adversity

by Mark Oliver

From the first time he picked up a basketball, Bigelow senior Austin Neumeier knew that he had a future in the sport. Coming from a coaching family, one might even say that it’s in his blood.

“My dad and uncle are both coaches,” Neumeier said. “As a kid growing up inside of a coaching family, I would always go sit on the bench during games and practices and pay attention and try to keep up with what was going on. I was always watching. Over the years, I learned many things from watching them work, but the most important thing I learned while watching my family coach was to keep a level head, and it’s something I still use on the court today.”

Neumeier was selected to this year’s 501 Basketball Team — 34 players representing the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the court. The junior was nominated by his father and head coach, Craig Neumeier. The team is sponsored by First Security Bank and First Service Bank.

“Austin’s best qualities on the floor include his work ethic, leadership, sportsmanship, rebounding and passing,” Craig Neumeier wrote in his nomination. “He puts the team and the program first and would rather see his teammates score rather than himself. He has a laid back attitude and keeps his cool in all situations.”

Halfway through the season, the Panthers (4-5, 3-1 2A 4 East) have set their sights on a third-consecutive state quarterfinals appearance. This year, however, the team endured an unexpected hardship that has challenged its players even more.

“It’s been a year of ups and downs for us,” Neumeier said. “Early into the season, we had four players quit the team. Although it put us in a tough spot, it was honestly better for our team because our players have had to step up and help each other more. We’re a more encouraged team now, and I think we’ll be better for it.”

According to Neumeier, adversity has brought his teammates even closer together — something the team plans to expand on to return to the state tournament.

“Our expectation is to make it back to the state tournament this year,” Neumeier said. “But to do it, we’re going to have to play better defense. Defense is our best offense. We aren’t turning the ball over much, and we’re really good at playing off of each other and predicting what our teammates will do in any situation. We’re playing really good basketball right now, and I’d like to see us get back to the state quarterfinals.”

Through his experiences on and off the court, Neumeier has already gained valuable experience toward his dream job — a career in coaching.

“Austin helps coach the youth basketball and baseball teams at Bigelow,” Craig Neumeier wrote. “He also works as a student assistant coach to the seventh grade and junior high basketball teams. He even volunteers in the concession stand during football season with his teammates and has become someone that the younger students look up to and are excited to see.”

In February, Neumeier was diagnosed with double deficit dyslexia, a condition that impairs his reading ability. Despite the personal challenge, the senior doesn’t let it stop him from playing the sports he loves.

“It’s something that I’ve been dealing with my whole life,” Neumeier said. “Reading wasn’t always easy for me, and as a kid, it was harder for me to do everyday things that may have been easy for others. In a way, playing basketball has helped me with my dyslexia. On the court, I’m not reading words, but I’m reading defenses. I have to see what’s in front of me and react. It’s a skill that I use a lot.”

Neumeier hopes that his experience helps inspire others like him.

“[Because of my condition] I always hated to read,” Neumeier said. “But it’s something that you have to do. So I started looking into books on sports and basketball, and I became more interested in reading. For those out there like me, I would suggest finding something that you’re interested in to read and embrace it.”

Off the court, Neumeier plays golf, baseball and track and field for Bigelow High School. The senior is also a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, FCCLA, FCA, FFA and FBLA and maintains a 3.5 GPA.

Bigelow plays host to Conway Christian on Thursday, Jan. 5.