Caleb Silver
Conrad, Iowa
Class of 2023
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because of the Dutch heritage and the ties it had with my family. My decision to attend Central and run was based on connections with my parents, cousins, aunts/uncles, and my brother all being Dutch alumni.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor at Central is Dr. Mark Mills. I took his Stats class as a sophomore and he remembered where my brother sat in the same class a few years back. He has been very supportive of the Dutch xc and tf teams throughout the years.
You’re majoring in communications because?
I am majoring in Communications because I came into college undecided and Comm. is a very broad field. In the future I plan to Coach xc and track, and find a job in Public Relations or something in Sports Communication.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
On campus, I am involved in a team Bible study, FCA, media/recruiting with Central Athletics, and I have started my own Christian life group on campus.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I like anything from country to rap, my go to country artists at the moment are Zach Bryan and Whiskey Myers. I listen to a lot of rap as well and have a bunch of go-to's, but NF and Aaron Cole are at the top of my list. I also love to support many friends/former teammates who are making their own music now.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Running for Central has given me experiences I would not have elsewhere. DIII isn't the path that many take, but is a path that more should consider. Having coaches who care about me more as a person than how I perform has given me the passion to coach in the future.
Which apps do you spend the most time on your phone?
I spend the most time on Strava, which is basically social media for runners.
Favorite place to eat off campus in Pella?
Favorite place to eat at is 100% El Charro. Never disappoints.
What song best describes your work ethic?
Green Lights by NF. As a runner, it's all gas, no brakes.
What is your hidden talent?
Probably football, it was my first love and back in '82, I used to be able to throw a pigskin a quarter mile.
Favorite TV Show
Yellowstone. Looking forward to season 5 in November after watching seasons 1-4 in a two week span during the school year last year.
What’s it like to run for Coach Dunham?
Running for Coach Dunham goes beyond the success on the course or the track. Dunham coaches his athletes for life and is always approachable. Dunham truly cares about each and every one of his athletes and seeks to be a positive influence in their lives. He has been a huge mentor for me in every aspect of my life.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Dutch Distance?
My favorite part is the opportunity to grow in my faith with my teammates through team Bible studies, using our gifts and talents to glorify God, and flooding the seats at church on Sundays all while having a coach who is strong in his own faith and supports each of us.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
10 years from now I hope to be a strong Christian leader, friend, husband, coach, etc. I want to leave every place I go better than I found it and impact everyone I meet along the way.
Favorite food from Central Market
Has to be the brisket quesadillas, but the only problem is they are only ever on the menu on Tuesdays which are workout days, so I have learned my lesson from eating more than two of them before practice.
Bucket list
- Visit the Netherlands
- Travel to or through each US State
- Qualify for/run the Boston Marathon
- Compete on American Ninja Warrior
