Men's Cross Country

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Dan Anderson, UW-Whitewater

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:  Dan Anderson
Institution:  UW-Whitewater
Hometown and High School:  Eau Claire, Wis. (McDonell High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sports:  Cross Country and Men’s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field
Major:  Business Analytics

Why did you choose UW-Whitewater?
I chose UW-Whitewater for several reasons including being on a team with some of the best runners in the country, Mills for his decades of experience and approach to coaching, and finally the great business school that Whitewater has to offer.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I am a part of SAAC.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
My favorite part of competing in the WIAC is having national level talent at every meet I go to. Our conference is extremely competitive on the national scale and there is no shortage of good competition at every race without having to go far.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Chicken Tenders
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Carmel Cashew
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Hyland Hall
TV Show?  Game Of Thrones
Holiday?  Halloween
Food?  Mashed Potatoes
Animal?  Penguin
Smartphone App?  Clash Royal
Musical Group or Artist?  Tame Impala
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Pheonix Suns
Vacation Spot?  Switzerland
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Getting fourth place as a team at XC nationals last year!
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Pickup basketball, or honestly anything we do together is always a good time.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
I look up to Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who has all the pressure on them in the world and consistently delivers.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Make the most of the opportunity you are given. The friendships and moments outside of the sport are far more meaningful than anything you will achieve through the sport. The sport brings us together, take advantage of the friendships it delivers.
 
One word that describes you?
Carefree
 
What is your dream job? 
An analyst for a running brand.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Backpack Europe
---Run some of the world major marathons
---Paraglide
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
Magic Tricks

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
LA Olympics in 2028
 
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