Wrestling

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Ben Kawczynski, UW-La Crosse

Each week during the 2024-25 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:  Ben Kawczynski
Institution:  UW-La Crosse
Hometown (High School): Oak Creek, Wis. (Oak Creek)
Year in School:  Senior
Sport:  Wrestling
Major:  General Studies
Minors:  Psychology and Nutrition

Why did you choose UW-La Crosse?
It felt like home the second I stepped on campus. The wrestling team had a great family atmosphere, and it was something I could not wait to be a part of.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I represent wrestling in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I enjoy the competition of a good conference and I am proud to be apart of it.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Chicken Tenders with Cheese Curds
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Cookie Dough Overload
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Centennial Hall
TV Show?  Night Agent
Holiday?  Thanksgiving
Food?  Pizza
Animal?  Dog or Cat
Smartphone App?  Instagram
Musical Group or Artist?  Brad Paisley
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  UFC
Vacation Spot?  Pensacola, Florida
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Winning the NWCA National Duals my freshman year.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Go to the movies.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
Jesus Christ.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Remember that you are more than just your sport. Don’t let your sport define you, although it is a big part of your life understand that there is more to you then just an athlete.
 
One word that describes you?
Passionate.
 
What is your dream job? 
Coaching wrestling.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Get married.
---Be a dad.
---Buy a house.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Spike ball.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I pray before I compete to be calm and at peace when I wrestle so I can best glorify God through wrestling.
 
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