OSHKOSH, Wis. — University of Wisconsin Oshkosh track and field star, Joshua Rivers, recently brought home an award reserved for the most elite college track athletes.
Rivers became the first Titan since 2021 to win the U.S. Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association’s NCAA Division III Men’s Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Rivers said he attributes his success to his discipline, good habits and his teammates.
“It hasn't really set in as much yet because everything has been going so fast," said Rivers. “I'm very blessed to be in this position. I thank God every single day for it, and I'm just grateful to have the opportunity.”
Rivers said he tries to keep a positive mind set ahead of every jump, reminding himself that “the world will keep spinning” regardless of the result.
“I think being able to be grounded and having the opportunity to even jump just means the world to me,” said Rivers. “That's my mindset that I go into every meet. 'Hey, at least I get a jump today, and I'm least I'm healthy and be able to do the sport I love to do.'”
Rivers didn’t take long jumping seriously until his freshman year of college. UWO men’s head track and field coach, Justin Kinseth, played a vital role in transforming rivers into a long jumper. Kinseth said Rivers has a natural ability to jump and lead.
“The guys just see how dedicated that he is and it just rubs off on the other guys,” said Kinseth. “He really is a glue guy for us because, yes, it's easy to see the athlete that's talented, do talented things, but he carries himself in a way that guys want to be like that inside and outside of practice.”
With the indoor season complete, Rivers and the Titans are now focused on outdoor. The senior from Illinois broke the Division III long jump record in December at 8.13 meters. The personal accomplishments are great, but those may not be the most important to him.
“Obviously, I won a national title on my own, but I think having a national title for my whole team, it means a lot,” said Rivers.
Rivers has a trophy case full of reasons why he can compete professionally after college. The only question is how many more trophies will be in that case before it’s all said and done.
