Men's Cross Country

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Justin Krause, UW-Whitewater

Each week during the 2021-22 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (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:  Justin Krause
Institution:  UW-Whitewater
Hometown (High School):  Ixonia, Wis. (Pewaukee High School)
Year in school:  Junior
Sports:  Men’s Cross Country, Men’s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field
Major:  Information Technology
Minor:  Web Site Development and Administration


Why did you choose UW-Whitewater?
I chose UW-Whitewater because the school had the major that I was interested in pursuing. Also, the team culture and the coaches really drew me in. I knew that I would be in good hands the minute I stepped on campus.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I’m also involved with our athletic department as a graphic design intern. Basically, I help create designs and posts for the athletics page along with many other sports team pages. And I’m also a part of our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
What causes do you care about?
I’m an advocate for mental health awareness. I think a lot of people have had to hold in their mental health conditions because of societal norms to not talk about it. That’s why I’m an advocate of mental health awareness because everyone should have the opportunity to feel comfortable expressing how they feel.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
The best part of being a NCAA Division III student-athlete is that you’re around people that truly love the sport. Being a NCAA Division III athlete there aren’t any scholarships given, so everyone that shows up is there because they love the sport, they’re a part of. And what I like most of being a part of the WIAC is I get the opportunity to go against the best in Division III on a weekly basis.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  The Culver’s Bacon Deluxe
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Mint Oreo
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The University Center (UC)
Movie?  “Rocky”
TV Show?  “Rick and Morty”
Food?  Tacos
Musical Group/Artist?  Kanye West
Professional Sports Athlete?  Kobe Bryant (all-time) / Fred Kerley (current)
Hobby?  Graphic Design
Quote/motto?
“Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success” – Kobe Bryant
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
2021 WIAC Outdoor Championship, helping contribute points for our team. And seeing how many points we scored as a distance squad was one of the coolest experiences ever.
 
What is the best thing that you bring to the team?
Role model of putting in consistent work and pursuing your dreams daily.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Enjoy the process and take it day-by-day. Even if it’s not your greatest day or you feel crummy it’s all a part of the process. Embrace that challenge and grow from it. With life, it’s an endless pursuit of becoming better whether that’s being a better athlete, student or just person it never stops.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Team dinner with the boys.
 
If you could trade places for a day with a person, who would it be and why?
Eliud Kipchoge, because he not only is the greatest marathoner ever, but he also has a very simple lifestyle, and just seeing that through his own eyes would be life-changing.
 
What is your dream job? 
Profession runner or being a graphic designer for a professional sports team.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Explore out West, especially the Colorado Rockies
---Attend the Olympics
---Go to a Kanye West concert

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
10-minute span where I listen to my “lock-in” music, and then throw my chains on and my arm sleeve. Then we’re ready to go!
 
What is your biggest “pet-peeve”?
Loud chewing and micro-management.
 
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