UMAC Wednesday Wrap with Benjamin Kieta and Elizabeth Schwartz
ST. PAUL, Minn.---Each Wednesday throughout the year, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) is featuring student-athletes in its new profile series the "UMAC Wednesday Wrap with..." Student-athletes share their perspective on being a student-athlete at their institution, in the UMAC and in Division III.
This week features cross country runners Benjamin Kieta and Elizabeth Schwartz of Martin Luther College.
*Graphic Photo Credits: Jade Jensen, UWS Sports Information; Bethany Lutheran sports Informatoion
Benjamin Kieta - Martin Luther College
So., Cross Country
Livonia, Mich./Michigan Lutheran Seminary
Major(s): Classical Biblical Languages
Describe yourself in one word: Driven
What does it mean to you to be a Division III student-athlete?
To me, being a student-athlete means working hard to be the best I can be, both in the classroom and on the racecourse.
Tell us about a unique experience you have had at Martin Luther.
I love getting the chance to read sections of the Bible in the original language they were written in. As a Christian, there are few things that are as moving.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned so far from being a college athlete?
You can't be afraid to push yourself beyond where you think your limits are. If you can be courageous on the course, the field, the court, etc., that will transfer over to everything else you do.
What is something people don't know about you?
I really love to go for "adventures". It doesn't matter if it's another country or just a different part of town, I get a lot of enjoyment out of discovering new places and seeing new things.
FUN FACTS
| Pre-game warm up song? |
Simon & Garfunkel- The Boxer |
| Favorite food? |
Pierogi, Red Cabbage and Fennel Sausage |
| Dream Destination? |
Scotland |
| Favorite Professional Athlete? |
Brian Urlacher |
| Favorite class? |
Mandarin Chinese |
| Dream job? |
Missionary in Africa |
| Favorite movie? |
Dead Poet Society |
| Favorite phone app? |
Spotify |
| Favorite holiday? |
Good Friday |
| Favorite quote/motto? |
To err is human, to forgive, divine. -Alexander Pope |
Elizabeth Schwartz - Martin Luther College
Jr., Cross Country
Janesville, Wis./Lakeside Lutheran
Major(s): Elementary Education
What do you love most about being a student-athlete at Martin Luther?
I love that Christ is at the heart of everything we do, at school and on the cross country team.
Tell us about a unique experience you have had at Martin Luther.
I love my Chinese class. My teacher is awesome. She taught us how to do Chinese calligraphy and painting, and she has had my class over to her home several times, for a Chinese meal, and a tea ceremony, and to let us follow a Chinese recipe. I am so thankful for her.
What is the greatest leasson you have learned so far from being a college athlete?
I have learned that it is more rewarding to be encouraging to others than to focus on my own performance.
Who has been the most influential on your athletics career and why?
I would say my teammates have been the most influential on my athletics career because they are always supporting and encouraging me, and because we go through the whole season together as a family.
FUN FACTS
| Favorite food? |
Chinese food |
| Dream Destination? |
Uganda |
| Favorite class? |
Intermediate Chinese |
| Dream job? |
Psychologist |
| Favorite movie? |
The Man Who Knew Too Little |
| Favorite phone app? |
Pleco |
| Favorite holiday? |
Easter |
| Favorite quote/motto? |
Colossians 3:23 |
2016-17 Wednesday Wrap Archives