Kole Tupa
Center Point, Iowa
Class of 2024
1. Why did you choose Central?
I was looking to play basketball and I had a great visit before COVID-19 shut down just about everything. It was one of the schools that I felt had a good reputation and I could see myself attending in my future.
2. Favorite professor and why?
There are a lot of candidates, especially as a student who has taken several history classes, but I would say Professor Mary Stark was one of my favorites. She is just super nice and considerate for all of her students.
3. You’re majoring in?
Social Science
4. Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
One of the programs I am involved with is CTA (Central Teaching Academy). This has allowed me to get into a high school classroom with a teacher at Pella High School and get tons of experience.
5. Who are your go-to musical artists?
I don’t necessarily have any go-to artists but when I listen to music it is typically hip-hop or country.
6. How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Playing basketball at Central has been really good for me. One of the biggest parts is the friendships that I will have for the rest of my life. Being in a sport was a great way for me to have instant relationships and it has been really good to me.
7. Top-three professional sports teams ranked in order?
- Chicago Bears
- Boston Celtics
- Boston Red Sox
8. What is your best round of disc golf on Central’s course?
I picked up disc golf with my roommates my freshman year during COVID and my best round is -4. Conditions have got to be just about perfect for that to happen again.
9. Who is your all-time squad for fortnite?
I was not a part of this all-time fortnite squad, but I do have a friend who got to squad up with a few NFL players. He had known a football player from his hometown that went to the NFL and played for the 49ers. It was Henry Krieger-Coble, George Kittle, Jimmy Garoppolo, and my friend who all got to squad up.
Personally I have never been good at any videogames, but my all-time fortnite squad is Nolan “Sniper” Brand, Noah “Clutch” Erickson, and Kaleb “GOAT” Brand.
10. Favorite Disney/Pixar movie?
If you include Marvel into this classification I would have to go with the Avengers End Game. But if you want a Disney classic I would definitely say Lion King.
11. Favorite TV Show
I have seen many shows and like lots of them, but the best one is Shooter and it is not very close. Seen it all the way through a few times and it still remains the best.
12. What’s it like to play for Coach Steinkamp?
It has been a blast. When we found out he was going to be our coach this season at our team meeting this off-season, I was excited for the season to start. We knew we were getting someone who knew the program as a former player and coach. He and coach Riordan are passionate about our team and they have us prepared extremely well going into each game. The transition into this season with a new coaching staff has been seamless and coach Steinkamp deserves a lot of credit for that.
13. What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central basketball?
The best part for me personally has been all of the guys and new friends. I have been fortunate to meet great people involved with our basketball program. It has also been fun to continue playing basketball at the collegiate level.
14. What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
If I have not been drafted by the Boston Celtics yet, I would like to say I have a job teaching and coaching in the 10 year future. I would also like to say I have a family and all of the good stuff that comes with starting one of those. I’m not one for much planning so anything can happen.
15. Favorite food from Central Market
I am a big fan of eating at Central Market. It is not every day that you get unlimited food and do not have to do the dishes. My favorite days are when they have the burger bar. If that gets paired with fresh cookie Tuesday, then it gets really dangerous…
16. Bucket list
It is on my bucket list to attend lots of college football games at different locations. Specifically Big 10 and SEC schools, but I really enjoy college football and think it would be awesome to travel and visit different colleges. I would definitely make sure the Big 10 games involve the Iowa Hawkeyes.
