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Prep profile: Matt Mixdorf, Oregon

Dennis Semrau  —  10/08/2008 6:24 am

Name: Matt Mixdorf

School: Oregon

Year: senior

Sports: cross country, track and field

Cross country highlights: Mixdorf is a two-time letterwinner in his third year running on the Panthers' varsity squad. He was a medalist at last month's Badger Challenge. He broke his toe during his junior season but returned to run at the Badger South Conference and WIAA Division 1 sectional meets. He was named Oregon's Co-Most Dedicated Runner. As a sophomore, he was Oregon's fifth runner at the WIAA Division 1 state meet. His finish at the sectional meet helped Oregon break a tie to win the meet title. He earned 2006 individual and team Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Academic All-State honors.

Track and field highlights: Mixdorf is a returning letterwinner, competing in the 3,200-meter relay and the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 runs. The Panthers' 3,200 relay advanced to the Division 1 sectional meet last spring.

Cumulative grade-point average: 3.86

Favorite subject: science, mathematics

Quick quote: "Be determined and focused on a goal."

Three words to describe me are: determined, dedicated, fun-loving.

How I got started in sports: I started playing soccer in kindergarten, running track in seventh grade and cross country in eighth grade.

I wish I could compete in: swimming.

My most memorable moment in sports was: competing with my teammates at state in cross country my sophomore year.

I enjoy high school sports because: of the social aspects. We all hang out together.

I enjoy running cross country because: I get a great feeling from running. I run early in the morning so I can think about my day.

Advice: "Talk to people and listen to people. Don't be afraid to hear them out."

My role model is: former teammate Mike Hill.

My family includes: my parents, Wayne and Sue Mixdorf, and my brother, Pat.

Favorite athlete: former UW distance runner Simon Bairu

Favorite team: Wisconsin Badgers

Favorite movies:  "Anchorman"; "Wayne's World"

Favorite TV shows: "House"; "Seinfeld"

Favorite food: French toast; pancakes

Favorite sport to watch on TV: pro basketball

Favorite place to visit: Colorado, for skiing

I want to visit: Alaska in the winter.

Favorite fast food: Cousins Subs

Dream car: Corvette

Dream purchase: a house in Alaska

I can't live without: my bike and guitar.

I wish I could meet: John F. Kennedy.

Words to live by: "Measure twice, cut once."

I wish: to be better in my sport.

Nickname: Mixer

I like Oregon High School because: It's a great place to learn. We have great coaches, like my cross country coach, Doug Debroux.

Favorite opponent: Verona

My perfect day would be: biking to school and going on a run with my friends, making a big breakfast, doing something random with my friends, going for a run and going to bed early.

I will remember most about high school: the cross country team.

If I could change anything: people would be more open-minded about international issues.

This and that: member of National Honor Society and Mock Trial participated at Badger Boys State volunteer work includes working at school's youth cross country camp in the summer, Oregon Kids Triathlon and working concessions stands for Oregon High School Booster Club member of High Honor Roll throughout high school plays trumpet in school band and pep band ran 700 miles last winter with youth running club plays the guitar hobbies include running, biking, playing Ultimate Frisbee.

Post-high school plans: applied to the University of Wisconsin to study biology and would like to compete in marathons

Career goal: biologist

Dennis Semrau  —  10/08/2008 6:24 am