Berryhill’s Braden Schwickerath
By Trina Walker
Never make excuses, take ownership of mistakes and lead by example. Braden Schwickerath learned these lessons firsthand by seeing the way his dad lives his life. Braden, a senior at Berryhill High School, carries these values into everyday life and onto the football field.
Football has continued teaching him the value of hard work and the importance of earning success rather than expecting it to be given. Playing defense is Braden’s favorite part of football. “I enjoy the physicality of the game,” he says.
Some games are tougher than others, both physically and emotionally. The following advice helps on the tough days. “There is no such thing as a bad day, some days are simply better than others.”
Braden started playing football in the eighth grade with the encouragement of a coach. Today, Braden is passionate about football and the energy and joy it brings him. It is like no other sport, he says. He also values the brotherhood that comes with being on a team. “There’s something special about knowing that every Friday night, I go into battle alongside my teammates.”
The teammate he is most impressed by is Carson Little. “He constantly pushed me to be better, especially on the days I was sore or tired. His influence helped me grow as both a player and a person,” said Braden.
A gameday memory that will stick with Braden is gathering with his teammates to sing the alma mater at the end of games. This is a tradition to be passed down to up-and-coming BHS players. “The greatest honor of representing Berryhill is being a role model that younger players can look up to,” he said.
Away from football, he recalls a memorable vacation to Destin, Florida. It stands out as being the first true vacation they took together as a family.
“I would like to thank my mom, dad and brothers for always believing in me and wanting the best for me. I would also like to thank my girlfriend, Lola, for supporting me when the sport became overwhelming,” says Braden.
Braden wants to play football in college and pursue a degree in physical therapy.
