Griffen McBride
Pleasantville, Iowa
Class of 2021
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because I really felt at home on my visit and could tell the wrestling team was a family!
Favorite professor and why?
Dr. Shuger-Fox! She is so knowledgeable and passionate. She does a great job of transferring that knowledge to her students.
You’re majoring in Exercise Science because? (fill-in the blank with your major)
I’ve always been interested in the body and optimal sports performance, so that is what originally got me to choose exercise science. I decided stick with it because I decided to pursue a career in physical therapy, and I felt that exercise science would prepare me best for graduate school, which I will be attending at the University of Iowa in July!
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am an FCA leader and meet weekly with several wrestlers to grow in our faith through Team Huddle. Not many people know this, but I am also captain of the Marion County High Dive Belly Flop Team.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I really love Tauren Wells, Casting Crowns, and Kari Jobe for worship music. For country music, I really enjoy Brett Young, Old Dominion, and Dan & Shay.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Wrestling at Central has forever changed my life for the better. The sport has helped me tremendously, but the relationships that I have built through the sport have shaped my life more than I could have ever imagined. I have learned so many valuable lessons from these people that will help me in every aspect of my life.
Strangest thing you have ever eaten?
Jenna’s (my fiancé) cooking is pretty strange! (:
Just kidding Jenna haha (please don’t be mad)
If you could wake up tomorrow in the body of a different person, who would it be and what would you do?
Probably one of those crazy acrobatic people. I would do crazy acrobatic things all day, entertaining my friends and family.
Artist you’d pick to see in concert
Tauren Wells!
What was the last gift you gave someone?
I gave Jenna a calendar titled “Year of Engagement.” I often gift books though!
Favorite TV Show
Currently, I am really enjoying Blacklist and Man with a Plan. As a child, I really enjoyed Blues Clues though!
What’s it like to wrestle for Coach Van Kley?
It has been one of the best experiences of my life. I am forever indebted to him for all the lessons learned. I have had many hard conversations with him beginning in disagreement and ending with the realization that some people are just smarter than me, and I should listen to them. There are not enough words to describe my gratitude to him adequately.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central wrestling?
The team culture is great. Guys really make an effort to push each other, hold each other accountable, and encourage each other to grow. To summarize it in a word, we are a FAMILY!
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to be a growing Christian, husband, and father. There is so much that could change in 10 years, I do not know exactly where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing, but if those three things are a part of the mix, I’ll consider it a success.
Favorite food from Central Market
That’s a toughie. I really enjoy the meals when they have steak, asparagus, and brussel sprouts. I also miss the ice cream machine.
Bucket list
I want to go skydiving, rocky mountain climbing, ride 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu. I’d like to love deeper, speak sweeter, and give forgiveness I’ve been denying.
