Central College Athletics

Josh Mayhew
Aurora, Ill.
Class of 2021

Why did you choose Central

I loved every visit I took to Pella during my college search and Central offered a great education and the opportunity to play high-level football. I think one of the biggest factors was how great the education department is run and my relationships with coach Maiuri and Coach Mcmartin.
 
Favorite professor and why?

I love having class with Doctor Tim Olin. Doctor Olin challenges all of his students while keeping class light hearted and interesting. He offers a ton of support to anyone that asks and is super fun to have as a professor. He also is a great advisor and person to be around when we aren’t in class.

You’re majoring in Social Science because?

Majoring in Social Science gives me the opportunity to study many different areas of both American history, World History, and todays politics. It also gave me the opportunity to join the Secondary Ed. Program where I will be getting my teaching license. I love teaching and trying to help students enjoy history as much as I do.

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

I am a SAAC rep and a member of the history club, but the most important thing I am apart is the Grounds Crew. The real reason that campus is always so pretty is because of the old guys that ride around in gators. The best part of the job is mowing the island.

Who are your go-to musical artists?

Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Cody Jinks, Turnpike Troubadours, Koe Wetzel, and Colter Wall.

How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?

Central football has literally taken me all over the world. I came out to Pella without knowing anyone and gained life long friends and experiences that have shaped who I am today.

If there was a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?

It’s important to note that a movie about my life would be super boring and I don’t think anyone would want to watch it. For the sake of the question I would have to pick Chris Farley if he was still alive. He would make me way funnier than I actually am and we are both a little larger and louder than people appreciate.

The Chicago-area restaurant you miss the most when in Iowa?

Mother’s Pancake house on Galena is the best breakfast a person could ever eat. I recommend the all meat skillet with over-easy eggs and a pancake on the side. It is my go to every time I’m home.

 
What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

When I was a little kid I got my ear stuck in a camper door (don’t ask me how) and it required plastic surgery to put it back together. So for about three hours my mom and dad drove me around rural Northern Michigan to get to the surgeon. No one actually believes this story until I show them a small faded mark on the backside of my left ear.

 
What was your dream job growing up? 

I’ve always wanted to be a National Park ranger. I like the idea of working outside in some of the most beautiful places in the country.

Favorite TV Show

Peaky Blinders or Ozark

What’s it like to play for Coach McMartin?

Coach Mac is awesome to be around and I don’t think there is anything he wouldn’t do for the team. He practices Jedi mind tricks in his free time and is a much better dancer than people give him credit for. Something that not a lot of people know is that he owns a pair of Chacos for every day of the week.
   
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central football?

My favorite part of Central Football is definitely fall camp. Camp is a lot of fun because we go from 100 sum individuals to a group of brothers. The best part about it is that literally no one cares what you look like and it is commonplace for guys to get wild with their appearance. Mullets and jean shorts are the best way to go.

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

I hope to be coaching football at the college level or teaching history and government at a high school. On a more personal level would love to have a family and a big dog. If none of that works out I wouldn’t mind living in a van and moving around wherever my heart desired.

Favorite food from Central Market

Burger bar because it happens every week and there is always a good option.  My personal favorite is the Big Red Burger.

Bucket list

Find my bike from freshman year
Climb Mount McKinley in Denali   
Learn how to play guitar
Box a Kangaroo
Hike the whole Appalachian trail
Own a horse
Fly a plane