Men's Cross Country

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Alex Peterson, UW-Oshkosh

Each week during the 2026-27 academic year, the WIAC 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 will be posted every Thursday and individuals are selected by the institution. The WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights are presented by Culver's.

Name:  Alex Peterson
Institution:  UW-Oshkosh
Hometown and High School:  Oconto Falls, Wis. (Gillett)
Year in school:  Senior
Sports:  Men’s Cross country and Track & Field
Major: Information Systems with a cybersecurity emphasis
Certificate: Sports Analysis

Why did you choose UW-Oshkosh?
I chose UW-Oshkosh because I felt they had the best team atmosphere out of the many schools I toured; there was a unity and humbleness that I really valued. In high school, I had a great team atmosphere, so that was a priority going into college. Also, I related with the coaching staff a lot, and they emphasized hard work, dedication, and the academic/athletic balance.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am part of the Titan Spark Entrepreneurship Club (Vice President), Newman Center (Bible study leader) and Tech Titans Club (Member).

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being an NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I love competing in the WIAC and NCAA Division III because I get to race a lot of the people I raced in high school. I made lots of friendships in high school, and getting to continue that is very special. Also, the comradery amongst all the athletes I compete against is professional and fun! We joke around yet have a lot of respect for each other.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Concrete Mixer with peanut butter, cookie dough, brownie
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Crazy for Cookie Dough
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Newman Center Chapel
TV Show?  Chuck
Holiday?  Thanksgiving
Food?  Lasagna
Animal?  Golden Retriever
Smartphone App?  CBS Sports
Musical Group or Artist?  Royal Blood
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Giannis Antetokounmpo
Vacation Spot?  Seaside, Ore.
  
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Last outdoor track season, I was an Academic All-American in the steeplechase. To be an Academic All-American, you must finish the season in the top 50 throughout the whole country in your respective event.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Our team loves playing wiffle ball in the evenings!
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
I look up to both my older brother, Evan, and my younger brother, Ben. Being my twin, Evan challenges me every day to work harder, be a better man, and chase my ambitious goals. Ben has an infectious attitude towards doing things his own way; he doesn’t need someone to tell him what to do. He figures out what he wants and goes and gets it. I really admire that!
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
The best advice I can give is to not hold your identity in your sport. Holding your identity in your sport brings a lot of undue pressure, anxiety, and stress. Hold your identity in Jesus Christ because that helps you stand grounded, humble, and fight from victory. Success in your sport will come from this.
 
If your team had a theme song, what would it be?
Seven Nation Army
 
What is your dream job? 
I want to be an entrepreneur with my brothers.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Do a run at every national park
---Tour the Scandinavian countries
---Build a generational business
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I know how to play the trombone.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
I would love to attend every day of the track events at the summer Olympics.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
Before every race I do the same drill routine I’ve been doing since middle school and I also lead a team prayer.
 
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