Central College Athletics

Natalie Patterson
Lone Tree, Iowa
Class of 2024

Why did you chose Central?

I chose Central because I wanted that same small school feel that I had in high school while still being able to be involved in athletics and make connections with classmates & professors! I love that I get to see my teammates throughout the day & that I can walk through campus and have professors recognize who I am and say hi! I have never once doubted my decision to go here, I absolutely love it! I have made the best of friends and memories while being here at Central!

Favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is Dave Pavlat. Dr. Pavlat is one of the friendliest people I have ever met and is one that will always say hi wherever you see him! He is incredibly knowledge in the kinesiology world and is always there to answer any questions. He keeps classes light-hearted, fun, and the good kind of challenging. He is a huge fan of Dutch athletics and is always asking how our meets went. I have learned tons from him & am so grateful for his support!

You’re majoring in kinesiology because?

I’m majoring in kinesiology because I have always known that I wanted to do something that helps other people and I love learning about the human body. Kinesiology mixes the medical world with the sport world, so it is the perfect combination.

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

Being a year round athlete keeps me pretty busy, but I am in FCA and I am a student ambassador for Central.

Who are your go-to musical artists?

I love just about every genre of music and don’t really have any go-to artists, but I really like country and older music. If I had to pick, it would probably be Morgan Wallen or Jordan Davis.

How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
 
Attending Central and playing a sport has been such a blessing. My teammates are my best friends and I have made so many connections through collegiate running. Cross country & track have allowed me to have an outlet to the stress of being a college student. I love that the professors here show so much support for all of our athletic teams. Dutch athletics is truly the best atmosphere and I am so grateful to get to be a part of it!

Field event you think you’d have the best chance of scoring in?

Shot put, no doubt. I’ve been hitting the weight room extra hard this summer so I’m pretty sure I could be a top contender on our track team this year. Coach Walz said he’d let me throw at the home meet last spring, so I’m still waiting on that promise. 

If you could speak another language, what would it be and why?

Probably Italian. But like, specifically New York- Italian. I don’t know, I just think they have pretty cool accents.

Teammate who belongs on American Ninja Warrior

Megan Johnson, 100%. She is jacked & her grandpa is Dwayne Johnson, so you know, make the connections.  

What place in the world are you most desperate to visit for the first time?

I would love to visit either Ireland or Italy. Ireland because of the landscape & Italy because of the pizza & pasta.

Favorite TV Show

Friends! I have watched the entire thing 4 times! Otherwise, I like Criminal Minds or anything HGTV.

What’s it like to run for Coach Dunham?

Running for Coach Dunham has been awesome! He is such a great coach & super personable. I feel like I can always go to him, whether it’s with a question or just a funny story. He is very knowledgeable in the world of running and a really great motivator. He knows how to balance serious & fun when it comes to practice & he is super easy to joke around with (and make bets with). I have really enjoyed my time running for Dunham.

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

My favorite part about being a member of Central Cross Country is the people that I get to do it with. Running is not always the most fun thing in the world, so having teammates that push you to do better & keep things positive is the best. We are all super close and do almost everything together. I have met some of my best friends through running here & have made even better memories.

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

10 years from now I hope that I am married with a couple kids & a dog, working as a pediatric occupational therapist, and living in a small Iowa town in a big white farmhouse.

Favorite food from Central Market

Desserts. Any of them. Ask Lindsey Davidson and she’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Otherwise, I like the baked potato soup bar or the cheese bread.

Bucket list

a. Beat Joe Dunham in a 100m dash
b. Take a picture with Joe Dunham after beating him in said race
c. Meet Matthew McConaughey (preferably have dinner with him, but you can’t always win)
d. Go to the Michael Johnson track in Oregon
e. Run a half marathon
f. Visit all 50 states