Student-Athlete Spotlight: David Linsmeyer, UW-Stout
Each week during the 2014-15 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its nine institutions for a “Student-Athlete Spotlight” Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Thursday and individuals are selected by the institution.
Name: David Linsmeyer
Institution: UW-Stout
Hometown (High School): Mauston, Wis. (Mauston)
Year: Senior
Sports: Men’s Cross Country, Men’s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field
Majors: Human Development and Family Studies
Minor: Coaching
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
Honestly, because I wasn’t good enough for DI or DII. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way and being an athlete for Stout has been the best experience of my life, hands down.
What do you like most about competing in the WIAC?
The level of talent that the WIAC has. I love knowing that I am competing against people who are good enough for DII or DI. It’s an everyday reminder that success in the WIAC will come at a large price, but it’s worth it.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
I’ve learned that no matter who you are or where you are on the team, you can contribute and make a difference for your teammates. I hope that is the greatest lesson I can teach the younger guys, because telling myself I could make a difference when I was an insignificant underclassman kept me motivated to keep competing and being part of Stout Cross Country and Track.
If you have been involved in community service projects, which project has been the most rewarding and why?
This past semester I spent time at the Menomonie Middle School presenting on healthy relationships and domestic violence to the sixth graders. It was the most rewarding because the kids were surprised that a guy was part of this presentation, and it was the first time I really recognized the influence I can have on younger kids.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
Shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers.
What is your fantasy job/career?
A Jedi Knight.
What is your favorite….
Spot on campus? Locker room.
Class? The one with the shortest walk.
Movie? Captain Ron, The Three Amigos, Star Wars.
Food? French Toast
Holiday? 4th of July
TV Show? The Office
Sports Team? Milwaukee Brewers
Professional Athlete? Prince Fielder
Quote/motto?
“Pride is all about me, but confidence is a realization that God has given me abilities and created me to fill a unique role that no one else is called to fill. Borne in humility, confidence is a recognition that life is not about me, but about using the gifts and abilities I have been blessed with to their fullest.” –Tony Dungy
What is your greatest sports moment?
I’ll never forget crossing the finish line at Cross Country Regionals this past season and running into all of my teammates. We all ran our best and qualified as a team for nationals. The only way to describe it is that it was the best day ever.
Your most prized possession is?
My baseball glove.
A non-athletic talent you have is?
I can blow bubbles out of my mouth.
The best sporting event that you ever attended was?
The 2011 DI High School Basketball State Championship. That game was crazy.
What does your "bucket list" include?
I’ve never really had one, but right now I look forward to owning a car and living in a house that can hold heat in the winter.
How would your teammates describe you?
Outgoing, fun, obnoxious, passionate, determined.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
I just like to relax and listen to music. Sometimes I like to bother my teammates, joke around, and stay loose.
Your worst habit is?
Eating a bowl of cereal before bed every night. For a broke college kid, I somehow manage to always have milk and cereal around.
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