Men's Indoor Track and Field

Student-Athlete Spotlight: McKade Jelinek, UW-Platteville

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:  McKade Jelinek
Institution:  UW-Platteville
Hometown and High School:  Marion, Iowa (Linn-Mar High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sports: Men’s Track & Field and Football
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Why did you choose UW-Platteville?
It had a great engineering program, and I wanted to do both football and track.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I like that the WIAC is the most competitive conference in the country. Being a Division III athlete is special because no one is playing for money or recognition. Every athlete is there because they truly love their sport. That passion brings people together in a unique way, creating teams built on dedication, trust, and shared experiences. The friendships formed through Division III athletics often last far beyond competition and become some of the most meaningful connections of a lifetime.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Crazy for cookie dough
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Butter burger and cheese curds
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  Pioneer Crossing
TV Show?  Yellowstone
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Chicken alfredo
Animal?  Lion
Smartphone App?  Clash Royale
Musical Group or Artist?  Cody Johnson
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Kansas City Chiefs and Royals
Vacation Spot?  Siesta Key, Florida
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Placing fourth at nationals in the discus.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Hunting and fishing.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My dad and grandpa.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Enjoy it as much as you can cause it goes by fast.
 
One word that describes you?
Competitive.
 
What is your dream job? 
Product evaluation engineer in the agricultural industry.
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Win the national championship for discus my senior year
---Hunt a 200-inch whitetail buck
---Go bungee jumping.
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I’m pretty good at tubing and wake surfing at the lake.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
The College Football National Championship.
 
# # # # #