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RELEASED: May 8, 2003
DANVILLE, KY—Junior Mick Wigal admits that he wasn't involved in many activities in high school. But the Columbiana, Ohio, native found that the atmosphere at Centre College encouraged him to take on more.
And that's what he's done. He's a third baseman for the Centre Colonels, a double major in anthropology/sociology and economics, philanthropy chair for Beta Theta Pi fraternity, a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon economic society and he has studied abroad in Vietnam.
Wigal shares some thoughts on his activities, and how he came to participate in so much at Centre.
On getting to third base
Wigal chose Centre because he could play baseball and, after visiting several other colleges, Centre was where he felt "at home." "Everyone here was really friendly," Wigal said. "And I really liked Coach Ed Rall." Rall, Centre's baseball coach, is equally enthusiastic about his player. "Mick's one of the most dedicated players on the squad. He works hard to get better everyday." Rall added that on top of being a good player (Wigal's hitting better than .300 for the season), he's also a good role model for the younger players.
On doubling your pleasure
A double major in anthropology/sociology and economics might seem like an unusual combination, but for Wigal the decision is a natural fit.
"When I started [at Centre] I didn't know what I wanted to do. But I like economics and I like anthropology. They're both social sciences, so they sort of fit together. Plus, I thought two majors would give me a better chance in the job market."
On see-sawing
Wigal confessed that he never thought he would join a fraternity, but changed his mind after meeting the members of Beta Theta Pi. As this year's philanthropy chair for the Betas, he organized cleanup projects in the nearby Civil War battlefield community of Perryville and visits with nursing home residents. Next month the fraternity will sponsor a See-Saw-A-Thon at the Danville Wal-Mart to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Wigal said they had chosen to do the annual event at Wal-Mart because they hope the higher visibility will bring in more donations for the charity.
On a hot time in Hanoi
Wigal, who had never traveled abroad, said that going to Vietnam during CentreTerm was the best experience of his life.
"Everything about it was great: the people, the country, everything!"
On Centre College
"It was the best decision of my life to come here. I've really matured socially and intellectually. I don't think I would've been this involved anywhere else."
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