Hailing from New Richmond, Wis., midfielder/defender Nathan Feiner is in his final year as a member of the Wartburg men's soccer team. The fitness management major has helped the Knights push for a spot in the American Rivers Conference tournament this season. Feiner leads the Knights in assists with four and tallied one goal. Throughout his four years, three of which as a starter, Feiner has scored two goals and added six assists.
 
How did you hear about Wartburg?
 
NF: I was recruited by our old coach, and at first I didn't really think anything of it. As it came down to making a decision, that's where I felt Wartburg would be a good fit.
 
What convinced you that Wartburg was the right fit?
 
NF: My coach. He came and visited me one winter and gave me the ins and outs of why it would be a good fit for me. I came and visited and got used to the environment. I appreciated everything we have, even the library and the WRSL (Writing, Reading and Speaking Lab), simpler stuff like that. It was definitely going to be a smoother transition than going to a bigger school with bigger classroom settings where you don't really have the individual relationships with your professors.
 
What are your plans after graduation?
 
NF: After graduation I want to find a job in the management field. I went to the Career Expo, but, long term, I want to be an athletic director. I'll eventually get my masters and maybe be able to find a position that will help me pay for it. I'm doing sports management right now by directing intramurals. Real work and management experience will help long term.
 
What are your duties with intramurals?
 
NF: It's actually really interesting because the guy who ran it the last two years graduated. It was a little different for me stepping into the role not really knowing what I was getting myself into for sure. There's a lot of people I ended up recruiting so we have about 30 employees, so we have people who can step in and help whenever necessary.
 
What else are you involved in?
 
NF: Soccer is the big one. I find a lot of employment opportunities. I used to work at the rock wall. Right now, the main priority is intramurals, soccer and academics. I don't have too much time for anything else. Once soccer's done, I'll probably be more involved.
 
What is your favorite Wartburg athletic memory?
 
NF: That would be a tough one. Last year against Nebraska Wesleyan was a 5-4 game that went into overtime at home. We had a pretty good crowd and it was a big moment because later in the year every game means something.
 
How do you balance being a student-athlete?
 
NF: It's a matter of using your time wisely. I live with three other soccer guys and one has been studying for the LSAT the last three to six months. I find my time being used in other places, but at the same time, you have to be aware of what time you have and don't have. You have to be productive because if you leave work to the last day, then you find yourself in a sticky situation.
 
How has playing soccer added to your Wartburg experience?
 
NF: It's helped because I've been committed to a team. Even back when I played in high school, there's been a commitment that isn't just one day a week. It's always been four, maybe five times a week. Here at Wartburg, on our team, some guys will tell you it's almost like a Division-I atmosphere, to the point where it's every single day. We go five, six days a week year-round. You don't have any off weeks or off days. Always being consistent is a big thing too. Just being able to manage my time and being involved with 40+ guys of all classes who have the same passion as me.
 
Do you have any pregame rituals?
 
NF: It varies year by year. Last year I battled with injuries here and there so I spent the majority of my time before games in the training room and warming up. This year it's been more or less just my own time to listen to some chill music, relax and be with the guys. We hang out in the locker rooms and the Knief Outdoor Athletics Pavilion is available before the game. You'll probably find me with my headphones in, not really talking to people, but everyone is thinking about how to prepare for the game, from what we eat for lunch to how much water we're drinking, especially with a big conference game.
 
What advice do you have for high school students considering playing soccer at Wartburg?
 
NF: Don't sell yourself short. A big thing is that a lot of guys come into the program that played on a decent high school team, but then they come here and you're also playing with guys who were the best on their team. The biggest thing is to never stop improving and never stop working hard. It's a process. Continue to improve every week, every day, every year.
 
What does it mean to be a Knight?
 
NF: For me, it's about the bigger picture. I represent the soccer team, but I know that a bunch of the guys on the team do just as much as I do. When you hit the soccer field, being a Knight is about being with the guy next to you. You think about your teammates.