Jerry Lotz
Yokosuka, Japan
Class of 2021
Why did you choose Central?
I knew that a smaller school was right for me from the beginning and that I wanted to be by family in Iowa. I met some of the professors and Coach Dunham from one campus trip in the summer and they all made an impression on me that I did not have at any other school.
Favorite professor and why?
Jeremiah Njeru is my favorite professor because he is extremely knowledgeable about the topics he teaches and I am always excited to go to his classes.
You’re majoring in Social Science because?
I enjoy history, politics and geography and majoring in social sciences allows me to learn about all three. Geography is my favorite of the three mainly because of Dr. Njeru and the GIS classes that Anya Butt teaches as well.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am also a part of the Campus Activities Board where we plan various activities on campus for students to attend. Some of my personal favorites include Headphone Disco and Cocoa+Canvas.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Queen, The Killers, Michael Buble, RADWIMPS, Sakanaction, and recently listening to more LiSA.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Central has been the perfect fit for me. The small school atmosphere allows for me to have tight knit relationships with many people that I will have forever. By choosing Central, I can also run cross-country and track while still prioritizing my education.
How long does it take to travel from Japan to Pella?
If I am lucky, I have a flight from Tokyo to Chicago that takes about 14 hours and then from Chicago to Des Moines is another 40 minutes by plane. After that is an hour drive to arrive in Pella. My longest travel day I flew through San Francisco which took 14 hours, had a 12 hour layover, then flew to Chicago in 4 hours and then the same as before which adds up to about a 32 hour day which is wonderful.
Favorite Superhero?
I can’t say for sure but it’s a close call between Captain Magma and The Elastic Waistband.
If you had to give up one of your five senses, which one would it be and why?
I would give up smell, I cannot imagine not being able to taste food, feeling, hearing, or seeing things. In my opinion, smell is the best option.
Person past or present you’d like to have lunch with
I would like to have lunch with Jack Nicholson because he is a phenomenal actor and would be interesting to talk to, but he also looks just like my dad.
Favorite TV Shows
I can’t quite choose one but I can definitely say I love Breaking Bad, Avatar the Last Airbender, Game of Thrones (Minus seasons 7 and 8), and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
What’s it like to run for Coach Dunham?
Running for Coach Dunham has been an absolute joy. He gives everyone the attention that they need and is willing to work with any athlete. He pushes everyone to give 110% and has helped me become a better runner through my four years running for him.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central cross country?
My favorite part is the family that we have at Central cross-country. From watching guys scream at each other playing 2k to going to Culver’s to get concrete mixers, it's an amazing atmosphere here.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to be happy with a family working at an amazing job wherever I end up at.
Favorite food from Central Market
Some of my highlights from the Market are avocado toast, fruit pizza, the pasta bar, and cook to order quesadillas.
Bucket list
- Obligatory traveling
- Get a job
- Own a home
- Be an adult
