Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Central College Athletics

The Official Website of the Central College Dutch

Athlete Awards

Central Close-Up

Nathan Schwanke Headshot

Nathan Schwanke

  • Award
    Central Close-Up
  • Week Of
    4/8/2021
  • Sport
    Baseball
  • Bio
    View Full Bio
Nathan Schwanke
Omaha, Neb.
Class of 2021


Why did you choose Central?


looked at other schools and Central felt the most academically welcoming. The whiteboards outside of the teacher’s offices felt like the teachers wanted you to come in and get help. It felt like they wanted you to succeed in academics.

Favorite professor and why?

This is a tie between Professor Bruntz, and Professor Schlerman. Working at the VITA clinic has brought me closer to them.

You’re majoring in accounting because?

At first, I thought I wanted to be in the science field. My mom, and her three brothers are all very involved in the science field so I thought it would run in the family. After taking Intro to Cells on campus, I quickly learned that science does not run in the family. I chose accounting shortly after that realization. This was the first class in college that I enjoyed doing the homework. It provides me a challenge, but also won’t keep me up all hours of the night studying for exams.

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

The biggest involvement for me is the VITA clinic. I volunteer to help families and students file their tax returns.

Who are your go-to musical artists?

My go to musical artist is, The Killers. They have so many better songs than “Mr. Brightside” I highly recommend The Killers. I have been listening to Mumford & Sons, Quinn XCII, and Kygo as well.

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

Attending Central and playing a sport impacted my life because it taught me valuable skills on how to manage my time and how to be coachable. It has also given me life-long relationships.

Favorite professional athlete

My favorite professional athlete is Rickie Fowler. He hasn’t been hitting the ball too well, but he always looks good in his Puma gear.

Why should people from Iowa care more about hockey?

People should care about hockey because it is the fastest-paced sport to play/watch. You also get to use hockey slang like, “Did you see that tilly? There was an absolute yard sale out there and four guys are heading to the sin-bin.” Also, “Nice apple out there and way to sauce your teammate a Geno.” You can get a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. This is where you score a goal, get an assist, and get in a fight all in one game. Those who don’t care about hockey are a certified duster.

Go-to candy at the movie theater?

I am choosing peanut M&Ms everytime I go to the movies.

What was your dream job growing up?

My uncle had a running joke with my family about being a professional smoker. So, I would have to say being a professional smoker.

Favorite TV Show?

My favorite show is Cheers. This is an older show, but sometimes you want to go, where everybody knows your name. I highly recommend the show to anyone who hasn’t seen it.

What’s it like to play for Coach Schirm?

You can tell that Coach Schirm has a passion for baseball because it reflects in the way he coaches. He always wants the very best out of us and for us to succeed not only on the baseball field, but also in life.

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

Being with the team, joking around with the guys, and being able to continue playing baseball.

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

Hopefully, in ten years from now, I am not hitting the golf ball into the sand and water like I do now.

Favorite food from Central Market

Without a doubt, Brisket Quesadilla, and this is not open for debate.

Bucket list

1. Eat a philly steak sandwich at a Phillies baseball game
2. Visit Normandy. I have been fascinated about WWII for a long time, so visiting Normandy would be surreal.
3. Visit every national park in the U.S.


Athlete Awards
Date Athlete Sport
11/21/2024 Selena Snell Women's Wrestling
11/14/2024 Leah Bontrager Women's Cross Country
11/7/2024 Kade Tippet Football
10/31/2024 Sydney Buseman Cheerleading
10/24/2024 Taylor Jones Women's Triathlon
10/17/2024 Taylor Thunstedt Men's Cross Country
10/10/2024 Gracie Pierson Volleyball
10/3/2024 Bailey Huizenga Women's Soccer
9/26/2024 Jessie Pospisil Dance team
9/19/2024 Gavin Hierseman Football
9/12/2024 Coleman Manuel Men's Soccer
9/5/2024 Emma Wagler Volleyball
8/29/2024 Becca Vala Women's Tennis
8/22/2024 Alex Slaymaker Men's Tennis
8/15/2024 Leslie Snow Volleyball
8/8/2024 Derek Beiner Men's Soccer
8/1/2024 Grant Nelson Football
7/25/2024 Blake Wynn Men's Golf
7/18/2024 Lydia Grond Women's Golf
7/11/2024 Ronan Murphy Men's Soccer
Previous12345...Next