Logan Huinker
Altoona, Iowa
Class of 2021
Why did you choose Central?
Central was a name that I always knew growing up. My father played football and baseball here, so Pella, Iowa was not foreign to me. When I was debating colleges, I was digging through my closet and found a youth-sized Central College football jersey in the back from when I was younger. Call it a coincidence or a miracle from God, but I knew Central was going to be my home. When I got here, my decision was only verified more by the family atmosphere and incredible opportunities for growth in academics and athletics.
Favorite professor and why?
Even though I am not a Mathematics major, Professor Goodman has been my favorite teacher to work with. He and I share many interests, including Sports Analytics and soccer. He taught me in a Sports Analytics class here and has also invited me to take part and present in two different Sports Analytics conferences, one here at Central and one in South Carolina!
You’re majoring in Computer Science because?
Computer Science was something that I knew I wanted to major in since high school. This field involves a good amount of coding, which, to the disgust of many, I love to do! My mother and brother are both working in IT now as well, so I’m excited to start my own career in IT.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I take part in Intramural basketball every year. I join a team with some of my football teammates, and since most of us are ex-basketball players, we take it very seriously. I am also a member of the Emerging Scholars program at Central, which is a challenging yet exciting opportunity to be a part of!
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I have a range of music I like, but I am an old soul at heart. I love listening to old and modern folk music, as well as Alternative and ‘70s and ‘80s rock. If I had to name some go-to artists, I would say The Eagles, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan are some of my favorite artists to listen to.
Why is the holder the most underrated athlete on a football field?
Holding is something I did a little bit in high school and was an opportunity that came to me during my Sophomore year here at Central. As a receiver, I guess you could say my hands were perfect for the job. For a holder, it is in the fine details; the little things that mean the most. It involves the same repetition over and over again to continuously improve the delivery time of the kicker. Nobody thinks about the holder until there is a bad hold, so I guess that’s why you could say the Holder is very underrated! The ball doesn’t go through the field goal posts without a great snap, a great hold, and an even better kick. I have been very fortunate, though, to work with some great snappers and kickers throughout my career!
What are different nicknames you have had in your life?
I guess I haven’t had many nicknames, but a common one is just shortening my last name. Lots of my teammates have just called me “Huink” for short. I can’t claim the nickname to myself though; my brother and sister have both been “Huink” before me!
Describe the worst haircut you've ever had.
For probably around 8 years of my life, I didn’t care about my hair. I didn’t care how it looked; I would hop out of the shower, dry it off with the towel, and however it looked after that was good to me. It wasn’t until Junior year of high school that I decided to do something with it, so I am very glad that realization came sooner than later!
What is the best advice you have ever received from a coach?
Not really any specific advice, but Coach Maiuri has been a very influential person in my life. Not only is he the smartest football coach I have ever known, but he also has helped me and other teammates way beyond the football field. He leads us in a football bible study every week, growing in our faith while also growing up to be better men. There is a true love that Coach Maiuri shows all of us on the team day in and day out, which is great advice itself.
Favorite celebrity when you were a kid
Growing up, I have always been a Drew Brees fan. He was, and still is, a shining example of being a leader on and off the field. There was never much to hate about the guy; the way he has carried himself off the field year in and year out is impressive.
Favorite TV Show
Whose Line Is It Anyway. It is an improv-type show where 4 people will act out different games or scenes given by the host, but everything is improvised. I first saw the show when I was younger at my grandma and grandpa’s house at night. It is hilarious and never ceases to make me laugh.
What’s it like to play for Coach McMartin?
Coach Mac is a very well-established head coach. He falls in a line of many great head coaches to come before him, and he has certainly taken this program the right direction. Not only is he a great coach on the field, but he is a better man off the field. He always preaches to us to be CUI 365, but he doesn’t just say that, he lives it too. It’s no secret that this program has had constant success over many years, and the number one reason for that is a consistent leader at the helm.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central football?
My favorite part about being on the Central football team is going through practices, workouts, and games with my brothers. When I was in my first years on my team, I was only thinking about myself and how I could improve my game. These last two years, however, it is crazy to see how much that has flipped. Being in the program helps you see what’s really important. My main focus now is how I can help my team, or what I can do to make my teammates better. I have a great group of guys around me, and we have done some special things on the field together over the last couple of years.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
10 years from now, I hope to be settled down with my wife and starting up a family. I hope to be well into a career in IT or Data Analytics while staying connected with my friends from Central.
Favorite food from Central Market
This is a tough question. Central has many great meals that I love, but if I had to pick one, Burger Bar days are my favorite lunches. Specifically, the Big Red Burger!
Bucket list
As an avid soccer fan, I would love to get the chance to watch my favorite team from England in person! Beyond that, as a big nerd of Star Wars and Marvel movies, I would love to go to places where some of them were filmed at!
