Mark Choinski, WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight
Each week during the 2018-19 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: Mark Choinski
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): West Allis, Wis. (Central)
Year in school: Senior
Sport: Wrestling
Major: Physical Education
Why did you choose to attend UW-Oshkosh?
I picked UW-Oshkosh because it was the perfect fit. After meeting my coaches, I knew that they would be able to give me the guidance I need to reach my goals. Our campus is very accessible and easy to get around. When I came for my visit, it just felt right to be here.
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference?
I love that we compete in the toughest conference in the country for Division III sports. All of our teams are constantly battling the best in the country, and it gives all of us the upper hand when facing other teams across the nation. Winning two conference titles has been a huge accomplishment for me.
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver's? Butter Bacon Burger
Flavor of the Day from Culver's? Caramel Cashew
Spot on Campus? The Rec and the wrestling room
Movie? Step Brothers
TV Show? The Office
Food? Pizza or tacos
Musical Group/Artist? I like all music
Professional Sports Team? Packers
Hobby? Jiu-jitsu
Vacation Spot? Anywhere on the West coast
Quote/motto? "Do not pray for an easy life. Pray for the strength to endure a difficult one." Bruce Lee
What is your greatest sports moment?
One of my favorite experiences with the wrestling team was driving across the country. We competed in huge arenas in Nebraska and then in Las Vegas. The most memorable moment of the trip was getting out of the bus in New Mexico to get a workout by running up this huge hill, and on our way back we ended up being a part of a parade and everyone was cheering us on.
What is your favorite thing to do off the mat with your teammates?
Get together and grill out when it's nice outside and enjoy yard games.
If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?
The hand to the face rule makes no sense to me. I think they should just let us compete and not give the ref so much power to dictate the match.
The best thing about your hometown is.
The mixed cultures. It brings in such a wide variety of food.
When you surf the web, the site you most often go to?
I like to listen to motivational speakers or podcasts.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is to become satisfied with my goals and accomplishments. I hope to constantly have motivation to work toward bigger goals and force myself to grow and develop even more.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I would like to expand my painting business (Top Color Painting LLC.) and get more of the community involved. I would also like to help out with the wrestling team to get kids to reach their goals.
Three things on your "bucket list"?
To travel out of the country
Win a marathon
Receive a black belt in jiu-jitsu
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
Listen to music and get in my headspace.
What is your biggest "pet-peeve"?
One of the biggest things that bothers me are people who feel entitled. I think everyone should respect one another.
2018-19 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights