Central College Athletics

Chris Hensley
Ottumwa, Iowa
Class of 2021

Why did you chose Central?

I chose Central because it gave me the opportunity to get a degree in engineering in four years while also providing me the opportunity to continue to play baseball. The moment I stepped on campus, I loved the felling of the tight-knit community and the family atmosphere that the culture brings. 

Favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is Professor Pronin. The way that he teaches his classes really connected with me. His teaching style is rooted in theory, which helped me learn the core principles behind a lot of the concepts. He gives his students all the material that they need to be successful and holds his students accountable to learning the content.

You’re majoring in Engineering because?

I fell in love with the concept of being able to design, build, and create things that can help make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a great feeling to know that you are designing a product that is going to be able to help somebody.

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

Other than baseball, I am involved with Central College SAAC, Central College Student Athlete Leadership Series, Central College Mentors in Violence Prevention, and Kuyper Work Study.

Who are your go-to musical artists?

U2, Darius Rucker, Matchbox Twenty, and Mumford and Sons. I listen to so many different artist and genres though. Anytime I am working on homework, working out, or really doing anything, I always have music on.

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

Being a student-athlete at Central has taught me a lot about how to manage my time and prioritize my responsibilities. Studying engineering and playing baseball was a huge time commitment for me but learning how to balance my priorities allowed me to be successful both in the classroom and on the field, while also being involved on campus.

If every time you entered a room a theme song played, what would the song be?
 
This Town by O.A.R.
 
Most embarassing baseball moment
 
I got ejected from a travel ball game one spring for crashing into the catcher. I was sprinting down the third base line, tripped over my own feet a little bit, and launched myself into the catcher. I found myself watching the rest of that game from the bench. For what its worth though, the catcher dropped the ball, I would have been safe.
 
Favorite professional baseball player?

My favorite player of all time is probably Dustin Pedroia. The way he played the game with so much grit and determination was inspiring. As an undersized player, he was the model example of how to be a ball player. I also enjoy watching Kiki Hernandez, Whit Merrifield and Brock Holt. Watching players that have the skill set to play multiple positions on the diamond is super cool. 

What was your first detention for?

I don’t remember ever getting a detention in school. I am sure my parents can remember some time in elementary school or middle school where I got in trouble for doing something that was not supposed to do, but I don’t remember getting into too much trouble.

Favorite TV Show

Ted Lasso. I can’t wait for season 2 to come out this summer. I’m also a big fan of Scrubs as well.

What’s it like to play for Coach Schirm?

It is amazing to play for a coach that is so passionate about the program and his players. Coach Schirm is committed to helping every player in the program and he will do anything for his players to help them find success. He always wants the best for his players, both on and off the field.

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

My favorite part about playing for Central Baseball is the relationships I have formed with all my teammates. From the moment you come into the program, it is like gaining 50 new brothers. My teammates are my best friends, and there is no doubt that the friendships we have formed will last a lifetime. 

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

After graduation I will be starting a job at Musco Lighting, and I am so excited to have a career that combines both engineering and sports. Hopefully 10 years down the road, I will still be working for the company and have the opportunity to work on some really neat projects.

Favorite food from Central Market

Chicken Parmesan

Bucket list

- Visit all 30 Major League Baseball Stadiums
- Travel to a foreign country
- Improve my guitar skills
- Work on my non-existent golf game
(My golf swing and my baseball swing are entirely different, and it is going to take a long time to fix my golf swing.)