WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight • Tyler Kozlowski
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: Tyler Kozlowski
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Menomonee Falls, Wis. (Sussex Hamilton)
Year: Sophomore
Sport(s): Baseball
Major(s): Kinesiology
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
The WIAC featured UW-Oshkosh gymnast Krystal Walker in its weekly spotlight.I wanted to still be able to compete in the sport I love while also receiving a quality education.
What do you like most about competing in the WIAC?
The competition. Going into each game, you know it's going to be a battle to the final out. Also, being from Wisconsin, there is the opportunity to play against guys I played with or against in high school.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
Time management. Balancing practice, games, lifting, and class can be stressful, but it makes me stay busy and focused.
If you have been involved in community service projects, which project has been the most rewarding and why?
Volunteering at the food pantry because the people I worked with always had a smile on their face, and it felt good helping people who are less fortunate than myself.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to be a professional golfer, but I am terrible at golf.
What is your fantasy job/career?
To work in the front office of a Major League Baseball team.
What is your favorite …
Spot on campus? Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Class? Exercise Physiology
Movie? "Bull Durham"
Food? Crab legs
Holiday? Christmas
TV Show? "How I Met Your Mother"
Sports Team? Milwaukee Brewers
Professional Athlete? Troy Tulowitzki
Quote/motto? "Let's play two." - Ernie Banks
What is your greatest sports moment?
I was able to play in a baseball tournament in Phoenix, Arizona, with my father and my brother. We played on the spring training baseball fields, and we ended up winning the whole thing.
Your most prized possession is?
My glove. I don't let anyone touch it or put their hand in it.
A non-athletic talent you have is?
I'm usually pretty good with anything involving trivia. My mom says I have a lot of useless knowledge.
The best sporting event that you ever attended was?
I was at the NLCS Game 6 in Milwaukee when the Brewers played the Cardinals. The Brewers ended up losing, but it was a great experience.
What does your "bucket list" include?
Seeing a game at every major league baseball stadium, traveling around the world, and skydiving.
How would your teammates describe you?
Quiet, but hardworking. Someone who does his job.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
I go to Big Apple Bagels and order the same thing. I have to have my wrists taped, and I have to clean my cleats before each game.
Your worst habit is?
Biting my nails.
2014-15 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights
Haley Bayreuther • Softball
Sean Dwyer • Men's Basketball
Tyler Kozlowski • Baseball
Nate Ray • Football
Erica Van Riper • Women's Tennis
Krystal Walker • Women's Gymnastics