Feature Story...Senior Matt Braeuer will go down as one of the most beloved players in Shocker history
By: Jordan Korphage
Since his first game at Wichita State, senior point guard Matt Braeuer has been admired for his hustle, determination and fearless attitude. While most fans will remember him for those attributes, there is a certain demographic that just loves Matt Braeuer for being Matt Braeuer.
In this, an election year, Braeuer wins the female vote hands down. Unfortunately, Shocker fans can't vote for four more years of Braeuer on the court.
During the open house that showcased the Next Level Project at Koch Arena, thousands of Shocker fans were given a sneak peak at locker rooms, team rooms and the weight room. There were many photo opportunities to be had but one was especially memorable for that demographic.
“Where does Matt usually sit?” asked one giddy teen who then rushed to the chair in the media interview room where Braeuer had sat less than 24 hours before, following the Shockers' 65-60 win over Indiana State.
Oh how the ladies love Matt Braeuer.
But it's hard not to like Braeuer, who throughout his career has sacrificed personal stats for the good of the team. Shocker fans will also remember Braeuer continually challenging bigger, stronger players and usually coming out on top. Needless to say if heart and guts were put on a boxscore, Braeuer would be first team All-Valley.
While that fearlessness and competitive spirit has dazzled fans and caused opposing coaches to curse, it has also led to a laundry list of injuries. In four seasons Braeuer has had stitches, four concussions and several leg injuries.
Despite all the injuries, Braeuer says in the end it's his love of the game that keeps him coming back. Most recently he was faced with the decision of whether or not to continue playing after sustaining a fourth concussion while battling for a rebound against Drake.
“It was a very tough decision,” said Braeuer. “After many long and emotional discussions with my family and girlfriend, I just felt I couldn't give up the game of basketball that I have worked so hard at for so long. I knew that at the end of this season I was going to give it up but I felt like for my teammates and for myself I just had to finish out the rest of the season and my career the best I could.”
His love of the game is so deep, he hopes to never leave it. Braeuer, whose father coached him in high school, says that after graduation in May he hopes to start working his way up the coaching ladder in college basketball. In fact, he's already planning a recruiting trip to teammate P.J. Couisnard's house.
“P.J. and I have become very good friends,” said Braeuer. “He is someone that I will keep in contact with for the rest of my life, even more so if his kids grow up to be 6-foot-4 combo guards like himself. I would love to have a Couisnard on my team when I become a coach.”
Braeuer knows that coaching isn't quite the same as playing and says there's plenty he'll miss about wearing a Shocker uniform.
“The feeling that I get running out onto the court in front of 10,478 every game is indescribable,” said Braeuer. “I'll also miss my teammates. There are no words to describe the camaraderie between a team while working so hard to achieve one main goal. Most of all I'll miss just playing the game I have always loved to play.”
And with love as the theme, how ironic is it that one of Braeuer's greatest moments occurred on Valentines Day against Creighton in 2006? Few will forget the four-point play that sent the game into overtime, the buzzer-beating three to win the game and the celebration that followed. That play is just one of many great memories Braeuer has of playing at WSU.
“There are a ton of memories,” said Braeuer. “For me personally there is nothing greater than having a childhood dream fulfilled by going to the Sweet Sixteen. Celebrating the conference championship and the Creighton buzzer-beater are a close second and third.”
While Braeuer has never been named even honorable mention All-Valley, his importance to the program cannot be overstated. Whether it be on or off the court, Braeuer has provided a positive example for all and reminds us what college athletics are all about.
“I just want to thank all the fans for their support regardless of the outcome,” said Braeuer. “I hope they know that these four years here have been the best years of my life.”
On Nov. 20, 2004, with 14:42 to go in the first half against Eastern Washington a floppy-haired kid from Texas checked in to his first collegiate game. In the hearts of Shocker fans young and old, male and female, he'll never check out.
