Name: Tim Seichter
Major: Industrial Technology
Graduated: 1984
Hometown (High School): Eau Claire, Wis. (Memorial)
Currently Resides: Monroe, Wis.
Why did you choose to be a collegiate student-athlete at UW-Stout?Â
My older brother Dan was a Blue Devil baseball player while I was in high school. He told me interesting stories of the team, talked of job placement rates within Stouts' programs, and encouraged me to attend. I realized this was an opportunity to play on the same team as my brother, which we hadn't done prior to this because of our age difference. My first focus at Stout was education, but I couldn't imagine schooling without playing baseball.
What did you like most about competing in collegiate athletics?
I loved playing against a higher level of competition, and developing friendships with new people, (both – Blue Devils as well as our opponents). The spring games in the Southern states were fun and memorable. Additionally, the opportunity to advance at the regional and national levels was a nice goal to strive for.
What is the greatest lesson you learned from being a collegiate student-athlete?Â
"Never give up". One game during our freshman year, we were trailing conference opponent UW-La Crosse at Nelson Field by approximately five runs with two outs and no one on base in the last inning. One more out would have ended the game, and we needed to about double the number of runs we had scored during the game in order to tie or win. Needless to say it was a memorable sight to see, and we won the game. But, had any of my teammates felt they were "defeated" or had given up prior to the end of the game, I doubt the game would have ended the way it did. I was blessed with great "strong-willed" teammates. This lesson applies to all aspects in life on and off the field. Since then I have told this story to acquaintances and players that I have coached.
Who was the most influential person in your athletic career?Â
Without a doubt, my father. He had played a lot of baseball in his day, and I'm told he had been a good player. I'm fortunate he'd experienced enough to teach me the importance of team work and continuity along with fundamentals of the game. We've all seen examples of teams loaded with talent that fail to win championships. The teams that win are generally those that work and play well together and don't make mistakes.
What is your most memorable or favorite sports moment at UW-Stout?Â
We were facing elimination in the 1983 Regional tournament in Missouri, and St. Ambrose of Iowa scored a run late in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the game at five runs apiece. They quickly put their ace reliever in to pitch the ninth. We hit a home run on his first pitch of the inning to take and keep the lead, winning 6 – 5 to advance to the championship round of the tournament.
How did your teammates describe you as a person and a student-athlete?Â
I'm told I was considered a fun guy to be around, concerned about others, humble, and a good sport.
Are you in contact with any former Blue Devil student-athletes? (If so, who?)Â
My brother and I are still on good speaking terms as long as I'm catching more fish than he is. I talk to and occasionally see Joe Vavra and Kevin Weaver. Your Stout Athletic Alumni Association has offered great opportunities to get reacquainted with former teammates and new people. Our latest golf outing/fundraiser for the baseball team brought in former teammates Duane and Dennis Ruff, Tom Armstrong, Louie Ferguson, and Curt Kiesow, along with Kevin and Joe. I also had the opportunity to get to know Chuck Geurink, (football player from the 60's, and current Stout Foundation Board member), this last spring at the Stout Sports Alumni gathering in Madison, WI.
Outside of athletics, what other activities were you involved in at UW-Stout?Â
I was a member of the Stout Student Chapter of the SPHE, (Society of Packaging and Handling Engineers). While still considered athletics, I was involved in bowling leagues and intramurals.
Give us a brief synopsis of your life since graduating from UW-Stout.
I've worked for Colony Brands in Monroe, WI for 15 the last years, and am the Package Engineering Manager – working with their food products retail, wholesale, mail order & co-packing businesses. My wife Kelly and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary next July, (2014). We've been blessed with two girls and a boy. Tess (22) is a senior at Stout in Art Ed and Studio Art. Bob (19) is a sophomore at UW Whitewater, and Lindsay (16) is a sophomore in High School. I'm involved within our church and community serving on church council, working with youth groups and confirmation programs, Optimist Club, school related organizations and have coached local baseball teams.
