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Kuehne credits parents for his success on and off field -
Kuehne credits parents for his success on and off field -
TOP: Raydon Kuehne searches for a path through an opposing team’s defenses. ABOVE LEFT: Kuehne pulls his mother in for a tight hug during basketball senior night. ABOVE RIGHT: Kuehne poses with a buck he shot. CONRIBUTED PHOTOS
Senior Raydon Kuehne is no stranger to hard work, earning himself the nickname “Steady Eddy” for his consistent success both in the classroom and on the field.
Raydon is the son of Nikki and Rob Kuehne, who have been his biggest supporters and toughest coaches for as long as he can remember.
“They always push me to be my best, encourage everything I do, and have my back no matter what,” Raydon said
Kuehne’s mother is the most important role model in his life, and who he credits for strong work ethic.
“My mom is a very hard worker, everything she does, she gives it her all. That’s the mentality I strive to attain,” Raydon said.
Since day one, the Kuehnes have encouraged their son to excel not just in academics, but athletics as well.
Kuehne played every sport growing up, taking a special liking to football.
“I’ve been playing football since third grade. It’s my favorite sport because it creates a unique bond between you and your teammates. When you are going into a fight every week, it’s good to know your brothers have your back.” Raydon said.
Kuehne credits assistant football coach Dillon Ball with helping him learn the game at a higher level,
“He’s the coolest guy around. He will tell you straight up what you’re doing wrong and what you’re doing right, and I appreciate that. He was always there to help me out, no matter what,” Raydon said.
Coach Ball is fond of Kuehne, and proud to have been his coach.
“It has been my honor and privilege to have coached Raydon these last several years. He has grown into a fine student-athlete and young man. Raydon represents everything a Cordell student-athlete should be. I look forward to seeing where Raydon goes in the future. I know he will be a success and a great example for all who follow him,” said Ball.
As a result of his academic and athletic achievement, Kuehne has been offered a few chances to play football in college, but is undecided on whether he will pursue his passion at a higher level, he said.
An ankle injury at the end of the football season has hampered his ability to play basketball so far, but he’ll be ready to give 110 percent when’s able to.
When he isn’t at practice or working on an assignment, Kuehne enjoys spending his time hunting and fishing.
“Those are my main stress relievers. It gives me the chance to get away from everyone, be out in nature, enjoy God’s creation, and have fun,” Raydon said.
While hunting is now one of Kuehne’s favorite pastimes, it was once a painful reminder of losing someone dear to him.
Kuehne took a short break from hunting last year after his close friend, Creed Bouse, passed away.
Bouse was a part of Kuehne’s duck hunting group that gathered to hunt waterfowl on every season opener.
Kuehne struggled to go hunting without Creed at first, but eventually came to terms with the loss.
“I had to accept that he was in a better place, especially considering how the world is today. God does everything for a reason. You just have to trust his plan and keep going forward,” Raydon said.
THE KUEHNE FILE
YEAR: Senior
PARENTS: Rob and Nikki Kuehne
SPORTS: Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Golf
HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing, spending time with friends, and pPlaying sports