UMAC Wednesday Wrap with Tessa Heiling and James Menzies
ST. PAUL, Minn.---Each Wednesday throughout the year, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) will feature student-athletes in its new profile series the "UMAC Wednesday Wrap with..." Student-athletes will share their perspective on being a student-athlete at their institution, in the UMAC and in Division III.
This week features senior cross country runner
Tessa Heiling of Martin Luther College and senior soccer player
James Menzeis of the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
*Graphic Photo Credits: Jade Jensen, UWS Sports Information; Brooke Kern
Tessa Heiling - Martin Luther College
Sr., Cross Country
Redwood Falls, Minn./Redwood Valley
Major(s): Elementary Education, Seconday Social Studies Education
Describe yourself in one word: Selfless
What do you enjoy most about competing in the UMAC?
I like the opportunity to experience excellent competition that provides itself with good sportsmanship.
What do you love most about being a student-athlete at Martin Luther?
What I love most about being a student-athlete at my school is how we form a group that can talk and help each other out. It doesn't matter which sport or season we are. We are able to get together and be a support and guide for each other.
Tell us about a unique experience you have had at Martin Luther.
I recently visited Rwanda. This was an experience beyond words and will stick with me. I was amazed how much I was able to learn about working with new cultures. I feel that it has been a great experience to use to help myself to prepare for education.
Who has been most influential on your athletic career and why?
The most influential person on my athletic career was my father. My first year of cross country, I came in last place every single race. However, my father never gave up on me. He came to every meet. And then during the off season, he encouraged my training and would drive me to road races, no matter how many miles away the road race was away from home. Ten years later, my father is still my biggest fan. He may not be the loudest fan at the meet, but he has always been the person who believed in me, even when no one else did.
FUN FACTS
| Pre-game warm up song? |
Alors on Danse - Stromae |
| Favorite food? |
Black Olives |
| Dream Destination? |
New Zealand |
| Favorite Professional Athlete? |
Katie Ledecky |
| Favorite class? |
History after 1945 |
| Dream job? |
Cross Country Coach |
| Favorite movie? |
Princess Bride |
| Favorite phone app? |
Afterlight |
| Favorite holiday? |
Christmas |
| Favorite quote/motto? |
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm possible - Audrey Hepburn |
James Menzeis - University of Wisconsin-Superior
Sr., Soccer
Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater
Major(s): Business Management
Describe yourself in one word: Dedicated
What does it mean to you to be a Division III student-athlete?
It means the world to me. Not many people get the chance to extend their playing career at the collegiate level.
What do you love most about being a student-athlete at Wisconsin-Superior?
I like the respect we get from the other students around campus.
Tell us about a unique experience you have had at Wisconsin-Superior.
Every year around Christmas our athletics department carols around Superior to get cans and bring them to the food shelter.
What is one thing you want to do before your graduate?
Win another conference title for my brothers.
FUN FACTS
| Pre-game warm up song? |
Ambitionz Az A Ridah |
| Favorite food? |
Shepard's pie |
| Dream Destination? |
Venice, Italy |
| Favorite Professional Athlete? |
LeBron James |
| Favorite class? |
History |
| Dream job? |
Professional Soccer Player |
| Favorite movie? |
Hitch |
| Favorite phone app? |
Instagram |
| Favorite holiday? |
Christmas |
| Favorite quote/motto? |
Psalms 23:4 |
2016-17 Wednesday Wrap Archives