Central College Athletics

Jeff Herbers
Urbandale, Iowa
Class of 2023

Why did you chose Central?

I chose Central because I knew I wanted to play football beyond high school which narrowed my choices quickly. Both Coach McMartin and Coach Maiuri talked to me about more than just football, but also the culture of the Central football program. I knew I wanted to be a part of a program with the type of culture Central offered.

Favorite professor and why?

Its honestly a toss-up for me between Graham Lemke and Mark Mills. Both of them are great professors, who are interested in student’s lives outside of the classroom. I enjoy being in both of their classes, and they find a way to make the material interesting.

You’re majoring in Actuarial Science because?

I chose actuarial science because it combined both math and business, which were two areas I found interesting and excelled at in high school. Additionally, actuarial science involves a good deal of problem solving, and I enjoy being able to find a solution to a hard problem.

Who are your go-to musical artists?
               
My go to musical artist without a doubt is Kayne. He can do it all and makes music for any occasion. I can listen to Kayne whether I’m working on homework late at night or getting ready to go play a football game.

How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
               
Attending Central and playing a sport has given me the opportunity to build relationships with people who I may never have talked to otherwise. The friendships and memories I have created while playing football will remain with me even when I am years removed from college.

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?
               
I don’t have many scars at all, but I do have one gnarly scar on my shin from a box jump. I clipped the front of a wooden box working out and had a cut that just would never heal. I just tried to avoid going to the doctor even though I probably should have.

What was your dream job growing up?
               
Growing up, my dream job was to fly fighter jets. I just thought it would be thrilling to fly a fighter jet that could go faster than the speed of sound. Also because of this, I will say I am still pumped for the new Top Gun movie.
               
Favorite sport to play beside football
               
My favorite sport to play outside of football is basketball. In the offseason, it’s always fun to get some guys together and play pickup games. It’s just always a good time, even though the next morning it feels like I have the knees of a 60-year-old man.

What was your first detention for?
               
Believe it or not, I have never been in detention. I can’t say it’s because I never deserved it; I just always managed to avoid a detention. If you ask the guys I live with I imagine they would say this is hard to believe.

Favorite TV Show
               
My favorite TV show is Game of Thrones, expect for the 8^th season. I would highly recommend the show, but you’d be best off just to never watch the final season. It’s just better that way.

What’s it like to play for Coach McMartin?
               
I enjoy playing for Coach McMartin. He emphasizes the culture of Central football and cultivates a culture of success. He keeps our team focused week in and week out, and he is fundamental in the success of the program.

What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central football?
               
My favorite part of Central football is the relationships I have built with players and coaches. I think I know I’m are a part of a special team when my best friends are my teammates. Additionally, it’s just fun to work hard and be successful as a team.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
               
Honestly, 10 years from now, I hope to be working as an actuary considering that is my major. Beyond that, hopefully I’m just not living in my parents’ basement, and I’m sure they hope the same!

Favorite food from Central Market
               
My favorite food from Central Market is definitely the brisket quesadillas. It is actually the highlight of my day when I see brisket quesadillas at Central Market.

Bucket list

- Snowboard in Europe
- Be better than Reid Taylor at anything and everything