Pancakes or Waffles? A Closer Look at Stevens Point Senior Standout Student-Athlete Andrew Dziak

Pancakes or Waffles? A Closer Look at Stevens Point Senior Standout Student-Athlete Andrew Dziak

We take an inside look at Stevens Point Panther cross country standout Andrew Dziak, with our world-famous interview, ‘Pancakes or Waffles?’ Read on to find out what makes Dziak ‘tick.’

OnFocus: What are your favorite subjects/classes and why?

Dziak: Computer classes, probably because I want to go into the computer science field when I’m older and my dad is big into computers himself, but the big reason is probably because I have a teacher who holds a passion for the field and she gets into her so-called “geek” kind of thing while teaching.

OnFocus: What are your hobbies?

Dziak: Outside of running, I tend to find myself playing video games quite a bit specifically games that give you a lot of freedom or sandbox games like Minecraft.

OnFocus: Who is/was your first favorite teacher and why?

Dziak: Mrs Kaster.  She has a passion for the things she does and it reflects upon her students well I think, makes her classes more enjoyable. You also learn a lot more.

OnFocus: What is the most unusual food you have eaten?

Dziak: I’m a pretty picker eater so I don’t really allow myself to eat unusual foods but my mom has certainly made some interesting casseroles and such.

OnFocus: What is your favorite music to listen to?

Dziak: Uplifting music, like the Rocky playlist especially songs like The Eye of the Tiger or The Final Countdown I also like pop music as well.

OnFocus:  What are your plans after high school?

Dziak: To continue my passion for computers and long-distance running in college.

OnFocus:  If they made a movie about you, and your life, what would it be called?

Dziak: Probably something along the lines of The Dziakster or Dziak or the Drive.

OnFocus: What sports do you play?

Dziak: Cross Country, Swim, Track & Field.

OnFocus: Which teammate would you not want to be stranded with on a deserted island?

Dziak: Any of the Engelvolds.

OnFocus:  What are some memorable moments you have had as an athlete?

Dziak: Winning state, going out to nationals, the socials we have after each meet every Saturday, and workouts like the big ladder.

OnFocus:  Who are your favorite athletes and/or teams?

Dziak: Yankees, Packers, Brewers, Grant Fisher.

OnFocus: What do you enjoy most about competing in front of family, friends and fans?

Dziak: I like all of the support, plus it also makes me feel like a local celebrity which is exciting.

OnFocus:  Do you have a funny or unusual moment(s) you have experienced in sports?

Dziak: I and a good friend of mine shaved our heads for state over a bet we made at the start of the season.

OnFocus: What’s the best thing about being a student-athlete at Stevens Point Area Senior High?

Dziak: all of the support from the community and the sense of comradery on the team, you just have a sense of belonging and purpose that I feel many people struggle to have.

 
OnFocus:  What words of wisdom can you give to other student-athletes?

Dziak: No matter what it is you choose to indulge yourself in, with enough dedication and consistency you can be great at anything your capable of more than you think.

OnFocus: Lastly, pancakes or waffles?

Dziak: Pancakes 100%

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Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at keechertheteacher@gmail.com