Matt Wilke, WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight
Each week during the 2019-20 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: Matt Wilke
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Appleton, Wis. (Appleton East High School)
Year in school: Junior
Sport(s): Men's Swimming & Diving
Major(s): Kinesiology
Why did you choose to attend UW-Oshkosh?
The strong kinesiology program along with the great team atmosphere.
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am a co-programmer and the interim OSA representative for Rainbow Alliance for HOPE.
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I love the freedom and lighter atmosphere of being a Division III athlete. The conference is still extremely competitive, however, I have more opportunities to study abroad or be a part of other clubs and organizations on campus.
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver's? Peanut Butter Cup
Menu item from Culver's? Cheese curds
Spot on Campus? Reeve Coffee House
Movie? Inception
TV Show? Good Trouble
Food? Chicken fettuccine alfredo
Musical Group/Artist? Camila Cabello or NF
Professional Sports Athlete? Tom Daley
Hobby? Knee boarding or snowboarding
Phone App? Instagram
Vacation Spot? Bahamas
Quote/motto? "It always seems impossible until it's done."
What is your greatest sports moment?
Qualifying for last year's NCAA Division III Championship. That has been a goal of mine since I began collegiate diving and having the opportunity last year is something I will never forget.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Movie nights and game nights.
If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?
Being able to compete in one fun dive per meet.
The best thing about your hometown is?
Appleton has a great downtown area and shopping mall.
What is your dream job?
Cardiac rehabilitation specialist.
Three things on your "bucket list"?
1. Air balloon ride
2. Bungee jumping
3. Cruise around Europe
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
Getting pumped up with my meet day playlist and drinking my Starbucks coffee.
What is your biggest "pet-peeve"?
Slow walkers.
What is your greatest fear?
Giant spiders.
2019-20 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights
Cody Chadwick • Men's Cross Country
Sydney Challoner • Women's Swimming & Diving
Emily Gilot • Women's Gymnastics