WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight • Nate Ray
Each week during the 2014-15 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its nine institutions for a "Student-Athlete Spotlight" Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Thursday on the WIAC website.
Name: Nate Ray
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Verona (Verona)
Year: Senior
Sport(s): Football
Position: Punter/Kicker
Major(s): Finance
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
Being a competitor I still wanted to play football while receiving a respectable education, so the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh was the best fit for me.
What do you like most about competing in the WIAC?
The ability to compete in the best conference in the country week in and week out. The competition sure brings out the best in you. Also, with every game being in-state, in essence they are all rivalry games.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
Being a student-athlete has taught me a great deal, but the most valuable lesson I have learned is time management. Balancing school, homework, part-time jobs, lifting, and practice can be extremely stressful, but it sure helps me stay focused and active. I wouldn't want it any other way.
If you have been involved in community service projects, which project has been the most rewarding and why?
Volunteering for Special Olympics is by far the most rewarding due to the shear joy that I receive from watching these truly amazing athletes play with such passion, hard work, and pure love of the game. It makes playing so much less stressful and enjoyable. I can't thank them enough.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
My childhood dream was always to play in the NBA. I can shoot the ball with the best of them but can't do much of anything else.
What is your fantasy job/career?
Work in the front office of a professional sports team.
What is your favorite …
Spot on campus? Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Class? Personal Finance
Movie? "Coach Carter"
Food? Steak
Holiday? Christmas
TV Show? "First Take"
Sports Team? University of Tennessee Volunteers
Professional Athlete? LeBron James
Quote/motto? "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take." – Wayne Gretzky
What is your greatest sports moment?
The entire 2012 football season, from beating UW-Whitewater on their homecoming to our NCAA playoff run. Every week was a thrill and something I will always remember.
Your most prized possession is?
A purple bracelet that I wear every day in memory of my Uncle Mike, who passed away from pancreatic cancer. It gives me the strength and courage that I need to be my very best every single day.
A non-athletic talent you have is?
Cooking. I make the best bowl of cereal, frozen pizza, and peanut butter toast around.
The best sporting event that you ever attended was?
2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four in Indianapolis. Still bitter that Butler couldn't come away with the championship.
What does your "bucket list" include?
Going to the Super Bowl and visiting the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Great Wall of China and the Great Barrier Reef.
How would your teammates describe you?
Very competitive, but a great sense of humor.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
Before each game I eat half a bag of sour gummy worms and finish the rest at halftime. Also, teammate Sammy Oliden (#19) and I have a secret handshake we do after the national anthem.
Your worst habit is?
Extremely OCD on keeping my room, car, and personal space organized and clean.