After high school, Austin Crider (26) plans to attend the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota, where he will pursue a degree in business while continuing his basketball career at the collegiate level. As he looks ahead to the next chapter, Crider is focused on preparing both physically and mentally for the demands of competing at a higher level.
During his time at Eaton High School, Crider has been heavily involved in athletics and student leadership. He has been a member of the basketball team, as well as a club basketball team outside of school. Additionally, he played football for his first three years of high school and is involved in LINK, a program that supports freshmen as they transition into high school. 
Through his dedication to school activities, Crider has developed into a strong leader. He believes leadership plays a key role in shaping a positive school environment, especially by standing up for others and encouraging accountability. “Many students face teasing or make poor choices. It’s essential to have people who stand up for one another, while also holding others accountable for their actions,” Crider said.
For Crider, the most important word in the EATON acronym is ownership. He values taking responsibility, especially when things don’t go as planned. “Taking responsibility for your mistakes has always been important to me, because when something goes wrong, it’s essential to acknowledge it rather than placing blame on others,” Crider said.
Crider is currently most passionate about basketball as he prepares for the next level, dedicating time to training, gaining strength, and continuing to grow as a leader. Outside of athletics, he enjoys playing video games, proudly noting his skills in Fortnite and other competitive titles. 
A quote Crider lives by is, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” This mindset reflects his approach to both sports and life by taking chances and making the most of every opportunity.
As he prepares to graduate, Crider hopes to leave behind a legacy defined by leadership and accountability. He wants to be remembered as someone who takes ownership of his actions, stands up for others, and pushes those around him to improve.
To Crider, being an Eaton Red means showing respect and helping others, even when there’s no personal benefit. His journey through high school is a testament to his dedication and passion, making him a true embodiment of what it means to be an Eaton Red.
