Men's Indoor Track and Field

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Cavan Dobberstein, UW-Oshkosh

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:  Cavan Dobberstein
Institution:  UW-Oshkosh
Hometown and High School:  Manawa, Wis. (Fox Valley Lutheran)
Year in school:  Junior
Sport:  Men’s Track & Field
Major:  Business Marketing

Why did you choose UW-Oshkosh?
I chose UW-Oshkosh because I thought it would be a place where I could grow as an athlete and receive a great education. Having great coaches inviting me for some visits solidified my decision to come here because of the winning atmosphere and the great athletes already in the program.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
Outside of track, I don't really have time for other organizations because of work and other responsibilities.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
Competing in the WIAC is an experience no other Division III conference can give you. I’ve heard it called the SEC of Division III sports because of the competition throughout the entire conference. Having people to compete against who are the best of the division in our conference is definitely the best part about the WIAC.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Definitely the cheese curds
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Raspberry Cream
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Reeve Union
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Steak
Animal?  Dog
Smartphone App?  Clash Royale
Musical Group or Artist?  Blake Shelton
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Packers
Vacation Spot?  Colorado
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Becoming an All-American in the heptathlon my sophomore year.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
During J-Term, we set up a Minecraft realm with the multi group.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My parents
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
You can’t compete with bad grades, so make sure you put school first.
 
One word that describes you?
Competitive.
 
What is your dream job? 
Own a bunch of land and farm it.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Win a national championship
---Go to Alaska
---Go on a hulk hunt in Colorado.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I can juggle.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
The Olympics.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
Always have to say a prayer before each meet.
 
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