Men's Ice Hockey

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Ryan Wagner, UW-Stevens Point

Each week during the 2022-23 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:  Ryan Wagner
Institution:  UW-Stevens Point
Hometown (High School):  Indianapolis, Ind. (Shady Side Academy)
Year in school:  Graduate Student
Sport:  Men’s Ice Hockey
Majors:  MBA in Leadership and Decision Making | Undergraduate Degree in Biochemistry
Minors:  Neuroscience and Behavior, Psychology


Why did you choose UW-Stevens Point?
I chose UW-Stevens Point to be a part of an amazing hockey culture and win a national championship. Additionally, the newly added Biochemistry building was a big factor as well.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the PreMed/PrePA club.
 
What causes do you care about?
I care about equal access to health care for everyone. Additionally, I care about support for the military since my brother is in the Marines.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I like how competitive the conference is. Every game is a tough game where any team could win on any given night. I enjoy the balance between athletics and academics as a NCAA Division III student-athlete. I get the opportunity to play competitive hockey, but also have time to focus on academics and a social life.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Chocolate Eclair
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Study table in the Biochemistry Building
Movie?  Miracle
Holiday?  Thanksgiving
Food?  Chicken
Musical Group/Artist?  Eminem
Professional Sports Athlete/Team?  Buffalo Sabres
Vacation Spot?  Lake Chautauqua
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Going undefeated and winning the national championship my freshman year.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
I enjoy playing other sports with them such as golf or tennis.
 
One word that describes your team?
Blue-collar.
 
One word that describes you?
Dedicated.
 
What is your dream job? 
Sports Neurologist.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Attend a Stanley Cup Final Game.
---Watch the Finals of the US Open Tennis Championships.
---Become a physician.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I’m good at video games.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I do visualization when I am at the rink before I warm up, and I throw a tennis ball off the wall to help me warm up my eyes.
 
# # # # #