Each week during the 2024-25 academic year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (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: David Cushman
Institution: UW-Platteville
Hometown (High School): Whitewater, Wis. (Whitewater High School)
Year in school: Senior
Sport: Wrestling
Major: Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Education
Minor: Spanish
Why did you choose UW-Platteville?
UW-Platteville provides many quality majors I could choose from coming in as a freshman. At the same time, I love the size of Platteville and the surrounding areas in Southwest Wisconsin are unmatched. On my visit here as a senior in high school, I quickly felt that this was a place that I could grow on my own and succeed, which I can gladly say I was right about 4 years later.
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
I coach youth wrestling outside of campus.
What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
Being a Division III student-athlete has provided me many opportunities to meet new people and help me grow. I can’t count the number of times being involved with athletics pushed me to higher standards despite how hard college may be at times. Further, wrestling at the collegiate level has been a way for me to work my hardest in all areas of my life such as academics, athletics, and learning to be in the real world.
What is your favorite…
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s? Crazy for Cookie Dough
Menu item from Culver’s? Pub Haus Burger
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus? The Bear’s Den is a calm place where I can either sit back and relax or work on my homework and study.
TV Show? Yellowstone
Holiday? Fourth of July
Food? I can’t go wrong with a burger.
Animal? German short haired pointer
Smartphone App? Instagram
Musical Group/Artist? I’m a big fan of country music with current artists I listen to ranging from George Strait and Toby Keith to Cody Johnson and Riley Green.
Professional Sports Athlete/Team? Green Bay Packers
Vacation Spot? The coastline of the Carolinas
What is your greatest sports moment?
I don’t think there’s any better rush than coming back from behind in matches to win in overtime in front of the team and a big crowd. This just happened at the University of Dubuque Invite in the finals for an overtime win.
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
I like doing anything relaxing with the team whether that’s having fires or practicing roping. Another fun thing my teammates and I like to do is go line dancing in Dubuque.
Who is someone that you look up to?
My parents.
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Don’t take the little things for granted. Every moment spent with teammates, coaches, and friends are priceless and these relationships go far beyond the mat, court, or field. It’s easy to be hyper focused and stressed about succeeding, but great things will come to those who work hard and earn the moment.
One word that describes you?
Tenacious.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is teaching and positively impacting others’ lives.
Three things on your “bucket list”?
—Go elk hunting out west in the mountains.
—Go on a big trip somewhere with friends.
—Run a tough mudder.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I eat a peanut butter and jelly after every weigh-in.
