Nate Hatton is a senior member of the Wheaton men's track and field and cross country teams. Below is a brief interview with Nate.
Q: What is your major?
A: International Relations with minors in Economics and Geology
Q: What (if any) plans do you have after graduation?
A: I wish I had a satisfactory answer to this question! Although I presently have no specific plans, my job search centers around hopefully working in a position where I can utilize my major, perhaps in an international location.
Q: Why did you choose to attend Wheaton and run?
A: I chose to attend Wheaton initially because I wanted to attend a Christian school. I specifically chose Wheaton over other Christian institutions because the school is located fairly close to home, possessed a strong academic reputation, and I wanted to run cross-country and track for
this team over others. I really appreciated how Coach Bradley and Wally viewed (and view) me (and all their athletes) first as a person and then as an athlete. Wheaton College and the track team has been an incredible blessing for me.
Q: What do you enjoy most about Wheaton?
A: I love Wheaton! Wow, I have so many great memories of my time here and there are so many aspects of it that I really appreciate. I really feel cliché for saying this, but what I probably enjoy most about Wheaton is the community. The individual people here are so wonderful and collectively I feel such a part of this entire student body. Wheaton is a special place and I have been blessed beyond belief to be here. Specifically, my friends and teammates on the track team are have given me so much joy and I have incredible memories with all of them throughout the years.
I also just need to say that I love Wheaton athletics. Not only the track team, but I also enjoy supporting all the other sports’ teams. Basketball and soccer games are amazing. Roll Thunder!
Q: What is your favorite track memory so far in your time at Wheaton?
A: Track has been such an integral part of my four years at Wheaton. Racing almost every weekend in the spring has produced some great racing memories. Racing at night, under the lights, is an event I wish everyone could experience because the energy and adrenaline is so intense. One specific race that I remember in detail occurred my freshman season while running the 5K at the Wheaton Twilight meet. I ran the race under the lights with some of my closest friends and teammates and ended the race with a personal best. Although I did not even come close to winning the race, I will hopefully always remember that experience with the pain of racing coupled with the joy of success.
Besides my own personal racing memories, I have witnessed some unbelievable efforts by teammates. One specific instance stands out and occurred two years ago when fellow senior Parker Thompson won the 800 and 1500 at the CCIW Conference Meet. He broke free from a pack of guys and cruised to the victory in both races with hardly any time for recovery. It was so encouraging and inspiring to watch him race so hard and win. Although I have only mentioned one experience by a teammate, I literally could go on and on over other guys who have inspired me with their efforts. With a few more months to go, I’m looking forward to what this last season holds for me and the team.
