Men's Cross Country

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Grant Matthai, UW-La Crosse

Each week during the 2025-26 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:  Grant Matthai
Institution:  UW-La Crosse
Hometown and High School:  Wauwatosa, WI (Wauwatosa East High School)
Year in School:  Senior
Sports:  Men’s Cross Country and Men’s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field
Major:  Statistics
Minor:  Computer Science

Why did you choose UW-La Crosse?
I chose UW-La Crosse because I felt like it gave me the best opportunity to grow as an athlete and person. The bluffs are also super cool!
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
Actuary Club

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
The WIAC is the most competitive conference in cross country and track & field, and I like that it pushes me to be the best runner I can be. Being a DIII athlete allows me to find balance in athletics & academics, and I like showing others that DIII runners are also really good!
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Andes Mint Avalanche
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Whitney Dining Hall
TV Show?  Breaking Bad
Holiday?  Thanksgiving
Food?  Lasagna
Animal?  Eagle (duh)
Smartphone App?  Strava
Musical Group or Artist?  Tyler, The Creator
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Milwaukee Bucks
Vacation Spot?  Switzerland
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Winning a national title in the indoor 5,000-meter run.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Watching Packers games.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
Cole Hocker
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Patience and consistency above everything else.
 
One word that describes you?
Busy.
 
What is your dream job? 
Professional runner.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Run the Boston Marathon.
---Start a coaching business.
---Hiking the Appalachian Trail.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Video-making.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
Summer Olympics.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I always re-tie my spikes right before racing.
 
# # # # #