Sydney Challoner, 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: Sydney Challoner
Institution: UW-Oshkosh
Hometown (High School): Sun Prairie, Wis. (Sun Prairie High School)
Year in school: Senior
Sport(s): Women's Swimming & Diving
Major(s): Criminal Justice & Psychology
Why did you choose to attend UW-Oshkosh?
I decided to attend UW-Oshkosh because I saw how much opportunity my sister, Katie, had going to school here. Not only did she have an opportunity to become a great swimmer, but also to be able to succeed in her academics. I knew that I wanted to be a criminal justice major, and I found out later I could double major in psychology and still graduate in four years. In addition, UW-Oshkosh is also close enough to home that my parents can come to all of my meets, but far enough that they won't randomly stop by. UW-Oshkosh overall was the perfect fit with sports, academics and travel time from home.
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am president of Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honors society. I am also involved in Psi Chi, the psychology honors society, Psychology Club, Criminal Justice Association, and the Golden Key International Academic Honors Society. I am also currently working as a lifeguard at the local YMCA in addition to volunteering my time with Special Olympics Swimming.
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I enjoy being able to focus on my studies and continue to be involved in the sport that I love. I think it's important to be able to balance school and swimming. It is also awesome to see some of my old teammates at meets and make new friends with other competitors due to the friendly atmosphere that is in the WIAC.
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver's? Red Raspberry
Menu item from Culver's? Chicken tenders
Spot on Campus? Polk Library … I'm always there
Movie? Pitch Perfect
TV Show? Nancy Drew
Food? Steak
Musical Group/Artist? Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, 5th Harmony
Professional Sports Athlete? Simone Biles
Hobby? Painting, watching movies, any water activity (skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, swimming)
Phone App? TikTok
Vacation Spot? Anywhere in the Caribbean
Quote/motto? "Fake it till you make it"
What is your greatest sports moment?
Individually I would say breaking the UW-Oshkosh 200-yard butterfly record at last year's Carthage College Classic. I never actually thought that I would be able to swim a time even near that record, so to break it was a very big deal. As a team I would say the best moment was when we defeated UW-Stevens Point four fourth place at the 2018 WIAC Championship. It was awesome to see our team come together and have so many people make it on the podium in that meet.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Having team dinners. Our individual personalities really come out, and it's a great time to bond.
If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?
To have a rule that never allows a person to swim the 400-yard individual medley and 200-yard butterfly in prelims and finals during the same day.
The best thing about your hometown is?
All the food and activities that you are able to do. Sun Prairie is constantly growing, allowing you to do new things. Every time I come home and visit there's always new things to do and see. But my favorite is the movie theater, that is by far the best thing to do.
What is your dream job?
A movie critic would be amazing. To sit back and watch movies all day, and judge them, would be the best job ever.
Three things on your "bucket list"?
1. To go on Wipeout or American Ninja Warrior
2. To retire before 55
3. To go on an impulsive vacation
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
To swim the warm up as SLOW as possible to stretch out every muscle in my body.
What is your biggest "pet-peeve"?
When people eat loudly.
What is your greatest fear?
Singing in public.
2019-20 UW-Oshkosh WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights
Cody Chadwick • Men's Cross Country