Ryan Powers, 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: Ryan Powers
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Howard, Wis. (Bay Port High School)
Year in school: Junior
Sport: Men's Track & Field
Major(s): Radio/TV/Film
Minor(s): Theatre
Why did you choose to attend UW-Oshkosh?
I chose to attend UW-Oshkosh for two main reasons. One was for the excellent Radio/TV/Film program and the other was for the highly successful track & field program. My cousin attended the university before me and gave me only positive reasons to come here. I had many visits and meetings with coaches and athletes who were trying to recruit me, and I wanted to join a program that looked like it could make some noise at the national level.
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference?
I love competing in the WIAC specifically because of all the other great athletes I go up against. This conference is arguably the most competitive and intense conference in the country, and I knew that coming into college. In order to perform well in this conference, you must be dedicated and hard-working.
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver's? Cookies & cream
Menu item from Culver's? Chicken tender basket
Spot on campus? Kolf Sports Center
Class? History of Cinema, Radio & TV
Movie? Rudy
TV Show? Game of Thrones
Food? My mom's spaghetti
Professional Sports Team? Green Bay Packers
Hobby? Gaming
Musical Group/Artist? Travis Scott and/or Florida Georgia Line
Vacation Spot? Daytona Beach, Fla.
Quote/motto? "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard."
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I plan to pursue a career involved with sports media, whether it be in radio, TV or film.
What is your greatest sports moment?
Breaking three school records in the high school conference meet and winning the team state title.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Hang out at home playing video games or Magic: The Gathering card game.
One word that describes the team?
Determined.
One word that describes yourself?
Motivated.
When you surf the web, the site you most often go to?
Netflix.
Three things on your "bucket list"?
1. Attend a professional track meet.
2. Go to a country overseas.
3. Fly an airplane.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
The night before I like to picture the race completely in my head and pray for a good meet. The day of the meet, I like to walk the track in the lane I will be running and visualize it's race time.
What is your biggest "pet-peeve"?
Slow walkers and slow drivers with no care to go any faster.
Your worst habit is?
Leaving clothes on my bedroom floor.
2017-18 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights
McKinzie Halkola • Women's Swimming & Diving
Jake Laihinen • Men's Basketball
Emma Melotik • Women's Basketball
Ryan Powers • Men's Track & Field