Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Central College Athletics

The Official Website of the Central College Dutch

Athlete Awards

Central Close-Up

Tanner Finken

  • Award
    Central Close-Up
  • Week Of
    4/30/2020
  • Sport
    Men's Tennis
  • Bio
    View Full Bio
Class of 2022
Carroll, Iowa


Why did you choose Central?

I chose Central for the tennis program, and I really liked the nice community. I also wanted a small, private college to get a more personalized education.

Favorite professor and why?

Tom Linton because he is a very chill guy and is pretty direct in answering questions.

You’re majoring in computer science and math because?

I am majoring in computer science and math because I enjoy the limitless possibilities of what you can code into a program. I have also been good at math since a young age.

Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?

I am in the Developer Student Club where we are working on developing a helpful app, Drone Club where we learn to build and fly drones, and Board Game Club.

Who are your go-to musical artists?

I like songs by Alec Benjamin and Andy Grammar. Depending on my mood, I usually enjoy upbeat songs from these two or other pop singers.

What are your summer plans for 2020?

I plan to stay on campus this summer and intern at Pella Corp. I will be playing tennis and learning more about my career path.

Chore you absolutely hate doing

When I was younger, I never wanted to scoop my dogs’ poop, so my dad would incentivize it by paying me a quarter each time I did it.

Favorite professional team

My favorite NFL team is the Steelers. I don’t really have a reason to like them other than when I was kid, I thought their name was pretty cool.

What song would you sing for your American Idol audition?

Happy by Pherrel Williams because it is such an upbeat song.

What are different nicknames you have had in your life?

I have been called Tan-man by some of my cousins, and Finkenator or Finken by tennis teammates. On my dad’s side of the family, I have also been called a thinkin or stinkin Finken.

Favorite TV Show

The Magicians on Sci-Fi because it can be pretty strange at times, but I enjoy it because you never really know what is coming next.

What’s it like to play for Coach Ferrell?

Coach Ferrell can be intense at times, but he really does care about all of us. He is always willing to buy us the snacks we want for meets and wants each of us to be successful not just in tennis but in life outside of college as well.

What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central tennis?

My favorite part of being a member of the tennis team is the easy going culture and everyone’s attitude to just enjoy playing tennis and making jokes.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

I’m not sure what exactly I want to be doing in 10 years, but I hope to be living with a steady job and starting a family.

Favorite food from Central Market

The chicken and cheese quesadillas bake is delicious. I try to get it every time I see it available.

Bucket list

I know it sounds cliche but skydiving, and bungee jumping are two things that sound really fun and exciting. I also want to travel to at least five different countries and experience their different cultures.
 


Athlete Awards
Date Athlete Sport
1/1/2026 Abbey Bence Women's Basketball
12/18/2025 Gwendalyn Canney Women's Wrestling
12/4/2025 Elison Ritzert Dance team
11/14/2025 Maximus Reitano Football
10/30/2025 Landry Pacha Volleyball
10/16/2025 Ava Goben Women's Cross Country
10/2/2025 Jenna Mitsuko Mahoney Women's Tennis
9/18/2025 Allie Pfantz Women's Golf
9/4/2025 Emily Patten Cheerleading
8/21/2025 Estella Allen Women's Triathlon
8/7/2025 Kelley Duffy Women's Soccer
7/24/2025 Mason Back Men's Cross Country
7/10/2025 Jack Hillis Men's Soccer
6/26/2025 Tommy Morlan Men's Track and Field
6/12/2025 Mark Kenney Baseball
6/5/2025 Mickey Martens Women's Golf
5/29/2025 Abbie Stelk Cheerleading
5/22/2025 Ernest Alvarez Chedzoy Men's Tennis
5/15/2025 Abigail White Women's Track and Field
5/8/2025 Emma Lenox Softball
Previous12345...Next