Jake Laihinen, WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight
Each week during the 2017-18 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its eight institutions for a "Student-Athlete Spotlight" Q & A segment. The segments, presented by Culver's, will be also posted every Thursday on the WIAC website.
Name: Jake Laihinen
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Mequon, Wis. (Homestead High School)
Year in school: Senior
Sport: Men's Basketball
Major(s): Accounting and Finance
Why did you choose to attend UW-Oshkosh?
The main reason I chose to attend UW-Oshkosh is because of the basketball program. The coaching staff told me when they recruited me that they were trying to build a program and that I could be a part of developing its foundation. Playing basketball for UW-Oshkosh has been an incredible experience and has had more impact on me than anything I have ever done. I also chose UW-Oshkosh because I knew I wanted to major in something in business, and I was very impressed with my tour of Sage Hall.
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference?
The best part about the WIAC is that it is incredibly competitive. Every conference game is competitive, and that helps our team improve throughout the season so we are playing our best basketball at the end of the year.
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver's? Cookies & Cream
Menu item from Culver's? Double ButterBurger
Spot on campus? Blackhawk Commons
Class? Student Managed Endowment Fund
Movie? The Shawshank Redemption
TV Show? Entourage
Food? Apple Pie
Professional Sports Team? Green Bay Packers
Hobby? Golf
Musical Group/Artist? '80s & '90s music in general.
Vacation Spot? Tampa, Fla.
Quote/motto? "Heroes get remembered but legends never die." – The Sandlot
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I have accepted an offer as a full-time staff accountant at Baker Tilly in Milwaukee.
What is your greatest sports moment?
Going to the NCAA postseason the last two years.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Go out to eat.
One word that describes the team?
Together.
One word that describes yourself?
Resilient.
When you surf the web, the site you most often go to?
Twitter.
Three things on your "bucket list"?
Travel to all 50 states.
Travel to four different continents.
Go to an NBA Finals, Super Bowl or NCAA Final Four.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
No pre-game rituals.
What is your biggest "pet-peeve"?
Unnecessary couch pillows.
Your worst habit is?
Drinking large amounts of coffee.
2017-18 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights
McKinzie Halkola • Women's Swimming & Diving