Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly — January | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2017-18
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa freshman Payton Wensel is a native of Marion, Iowa, and graduate of Linn-Mar high school.
Her high school career consisted of 11 all-conference and 13 elite all-state honors. She holds the Linn-Mar record in the 400 meters (54.73), 400-meter hurdles (1:00.15), 600 meters (1:36.67), 400-meter relay (48.00), 800-meter relay (1:44.86), 1,600-meter relay (3:54.90), 3,200-meter relay (9:15.75), sprint medley (1:43.64), and distance medley relays (4:04.47).
With three meets under her belt at Iowa, Wensel ran on the team-leading 1,600-meter relay (3:43.73) and ran in 200- (26.10), 400- (56.61), and 600-meter (1:33.45) races.
Wensel is studying criminal justice.
What are you most excited for this season?
“I’m most excited to see how my times improve from high school to college.”
What do you hope to add to the team?
“I hope that I will be able to add a good mentality to the team. I would also like to be able to contribute in the relays.”
What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a coach?
“My favorite piece of advice from a coach is, ‘You can’t limit yourself to everyone else.'”
Why did you choose Iowa?
“I came to Iowa because my parents were such a big part of my high school success, and I wanted them to still be involved in my college success as well.”
If not track and field, what sport would you play?
“If I wasn’t in track, I would probably still be playing volleyball.”
If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be?
“I would wish to be the richest person on the planet, the ability to fly, and I would wish to end climate change.”
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
“One of my front teeth has a cover on it, because when I was really young, I knocked it out before it was ready.”
Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
“The one thing I have to do before I run is listen to heavy metal music.”
When you’re not practicing, what is your favorite thing to do?
“My favorite thing to do outside of practice would probably be to watch movies on Netflix.”
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?
“I’ve always wanted to try skydiving.”
If you could choose a super power, what would you choose?
“I would want to fly so I wouldn’t have to pay for gas anymore.”
If you could choose anywhere to live, where would you choose?
“I would want to live anywhere that is warm and has a beach.”
How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
“I am not a fan of pineapple on pizza.”
Where’s your favorite spot on campus?
“I really like the quiet study room in the Iowa Memorial Union.”
What is your favorite meal?
“My favorite meal is mac and cheese or fettucine alfredo.”
