Layken Btynar
Bettendorf, Iowa
Class of 2024
Why did you chose Central?
I chose Central for the small school feel and the ability to create stronger connections with professors and other people on campus. I also just really loved Pella every time I came up to visit; the cute town and safe feel to the city makes me feel at home.
Favorite professor and why?
I don’t think I can really say I have a favorite professor because they are all great and super helpful in each class I have had. But if I had to pick one I would say Dr. Mena because she makes class enjoyable and is very passionate about what she does. She is always willing to help and is a great mentor to me in helping to plan classes or planning for the future in general.
You’re majoring in Biology because?
I am majoring in Biology with a minor in chemistry and spanish. I have always enjoyed science since high school and want to pursue a career in the medical field as a doctor in the future. There is so much to learn in that field of study and although challenging (most of the time) it is exciting to learn about and understand.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
Track and Cross country take up a majority of my time all year long, but I work for the SI and tutoring department. I am also involved in doing genetic/ DNA research and the pre-health club.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
My go-to artists are probably Andy Grammar or if I want a pre-race pump up song I would pick Macklemore.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
In high school I always thought that I would be too busy to do a sport and balance classes, but in reality has made me more organized as a person. Although I am very busy, it seems to make me more efficient in getting homework and studying done. I also cannot emphasize how nice it was to have some built in friends right when I got to campus. I was “forced” to hang out with the weirdos that I now call my best friends. So I am super thankful that playing a sport has helped me through the awkward high school to college transition and meeting new people.
Best pre-race fuel?
My pre-race fuel the day before a meet has to be pasta especially chicken parm, carbs are important.
How many pair of shoes do you own?
In total, I do not know if I could really count all of the shoes I have. If we are just counting the running shoes that I bring to school, I have about 6 pairs in my closet because I have to get new ones so often. The total amount of shoes I bring to school is close to 20.
Most embarrassing athletic moment?
I have had many embarrassing athletics moments so far and they are definitely not over. One of them occurred last winter when it snowed and a few of us decided to go run outside with the sidewalks were covered in snow while it was snowing. No pain no gain. We were running down a hill and I was joking about slipping on ice and then I actually did. I face planted and slid down the hill a feet. My teammate behind me also fell on top of me. Luckily we were all laughing the whole time, but definitely not my most prideful moment in running.
You’re a new color that just got added to Crayola’s crayon box. Explain and describe your color.
If I were a new color I would be a blue base with yellow swirls in it. I would look pretty cool on my own and when you draw on paper it looks like a nice calm blue, but when the yellow pops up it makes it look a little crazy. I would say I am a pretty calm and positive person, but occasionally I get spurts of energy where I laugh at most everything and I could run a marathon. Also, the color would accent other colors, and personally I think I add some excitement especially in my roomate’s life when I accidentally put aluminum foil in the microwave or lock myself out of the dorm. I don’t know what she would do without having to take care of me.
Favorite TV Show
My favorite TV show is New Girl, I think its pretty funny.
What’s it like to run for Coach Dunham?
Coach Dunham will definitely push you to be the best runner you can be. Sometimes it’s a push you didn’t think you could do or want to do, but he gives you that confidence that you need to keep training hard and believe in yourself.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the women’s distance program at Central College?
My favorite part of the program is being a part of the team culture. We are all super supportive of each other even outside of practice. Everyone is willing to help everyone with homework or just life advice in general. Also, even if there is a very tough workout for the day, we like to keep the mood light and motivating to make it fun to do. No matter who you train with, everyone is cheering for you that last rep. I think thats really important in developing a successful team.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I will probably still be in school, but at some point have a full time job as a doctor. I also hope to be living on my own and having to do adult things. I also hope to still be running and I will probably still be in Iowa. I also hope to have a dog, specifically a golden retriever.
Favorite food from Central Market
My favorite food from Central Market is chicken parm, especially the day before a meet.
Bucket list
Run a 50-mile race
Skydive
Travel to Europe
