The 2019-20 athletic season was the second year of existence for the Wartburg Men's and Women's Bowling teams. Senior Michael Baker, a business administration major from Des Moines, Iowa, and Sophomore Erin Wood, a social work major from Vinton, Iowa, have been a part of the team both seasons.
 
How did you hear about Wartburg?
Michael Baker: I found out about Wartburg from my parents, they're both alums. Once I toured, I really liked the community and the people around campus.
 
Erin Wood: I did a program through my high school where we toured a bunch of colleges and during Iowa private college week we actually came to Wartburg.
 
What made you decide to become a Knight?
MB: I came from a pretty big high school, bigger than the population at Wartburg, and I wanted to look for a smaller community where I could fit in more.
 
EW: I come from a small high school. I toured bigger universities and I didn't like them, they didn't feel like home, but then I toured Wartburg and I just liked the thought of my professors knowing my name when I walked through the door and being able to build a connection with them.
 
Why did you decide to join Wartburg's bowling team?
MB: In high school I bowled all four years and I really had a good time with building new friends, enjoying the sport. I didn't know if I wanted to pursue that going into college. But then once I found out that Wartburg was going to add a bowling team, I got really excited. I thought I would just give it a shot and I ended up joining the team. It's definitely a big transition that I had to get used to.
 
EW: I didn't come in as a freshman interested in the bowling team, but then I got to the point where I kind of missed it so I reached out to coach. I think it helps me, in a way it's a stress reliever.
 
How do you manage time as a student-athlete?
MB: When it comes to managing my time, I get up pretty early in the mornings and spend a lot of time early in the mornings working on homework, studying for tests and doing laundry. Otherwise, in the evenings and at night I don't have a lot of time.
 
EW: I purposely made my schedules this semester so I wouldn't have classes Tuesdays and Thursdays. So, I stay up pretty late Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights so I have a chance to sleep in.
 
What is your favorite bowling memory?
MB: I was driving myself to one of the tournaments and I was able to drive a 2019 Dodge Charger so that was pretty interesting.
 
EW: Some of my favorite bowling memories stem from being in the van with the coaches and some of the conversations we have.
 
What does it mean to be a Knight?
MB: To be a Knight you have to be able to carry yourself out into the community as you're representing the school so your actions and the way you carry yourself outside because it is very reflective of the college itself. You have to always remember that wearing the Wartburg orange means you have to conduct yourself in a very responsible way.
 
EW: Being a Knight means being confident and not being afraid and being willing to help others that are in need. That's one of the biggest things for me is I want to help others.