Abby Gruver (12/8/2022) - Athlete Awards - Central College Athletics

Athlete Awards

I chose Central because every time I visited I felt welcomed and at home. I also went to a very small high school and wanted to keep the same small school atmosphere for college. I knew I wanted to be close to home, have the opportunity to run track, and be a part of a great educational program. I was able to receive all of those by choosing Central.

2. Favorite professor and why?

I don’t think I can choose a favorite professor. All of the professors that I have had on campus have been amazing. They all take the time to get to know me as a person and genuinely care about me. If I had to pick one I would say Julianne Taylor is my favorite because she is so down to earth and makes class fun!

3. You’re majoring in elementary education because?

I am majoring in elementary education because I love working with kids. I want to be able to play an influential role in their lives. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher.

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

The only thing I am involved in on campus is the track and field team, which takes up a lot of my time.

5. Who are your go-to musical artists?

I have always been a die-hard One Direction fan, but since the band broke up I listen to a lot of Harry Styles and The Jonas Brothers. I still have a One Direction playlist on my phone that I listen to quite frequently.

6. How has attended Central and playing a sport impacted your life?

Throughout high school, I was always either playing a sport or training for a sport. So coming to Central wasn’t much of a change. I have just learned to stay more organized and on top of my schoolwork. I have also gained some of my best friends from being on the track and field team. So I was insanely thankful to be playing a sport with built-in friends.

7. If you had to give up one of your five senses, which one would it be and why?

I would give up my sense of smell because it’s something that I don’t think is super influential. Don’t get me wrong I love the smell of baked goods and perfume, but I can live without the bad smells, for example, pig or cow manure or as my dad would say the smell of money.

8. The event in track and field you are least likely to do?

You will never catch me running over a 400. I leave the long-distance running to Lindsey Davidson and the cross-country team and cheer them on from the sidelines. I used to run cross-country in high school, but couldn’t imagine running in a circle for that long. I would be beyond bored during that race which is why I stick with a 400 or 400 hurdles because I only have to think about sprinting and jumping.

9. Despite growing up close to campus, what is something you didn’t know about Central until you got here?

Something I didn’t know about Central was all of the opportunities that I would get. I never realized that the friendships I have made here are the ones that are going to be in my wedding someday and will be lifelong friends. Looking back on my first year here I would’ve never imagined that I would find my best friend, roommate, and future maid of honor (Madi Van Vors).

10. If you had to eat one cereal every day for a month, which would you chose?

Mini Wheats especially the little bites because they have the most frosting and just taste better than the original ones. Also, I would have to eat them without milk because milk just isn’t made for cereal, an unpopular opinion.

11. Favorite TV Show

I don’t watch many TV shows, but my favorite movie is Top Gun: Maverick with Miles Teller. Fun fact I actually have a poster of him in my room. However, if I had to pick a favorite show I would have to say The Office because it never fails to make me laugh.

12. What’s it like to compete for Coach Sturman and/or Coach Fuller?

Since I compete in both the hurdle races and open races I compete for both Coach Sturman and Coach Fuller. Both coaches have a way of making practices fun and connecting with us. I know that if I were to ever have a problem I could go to either of them and they would help me out. They also are so supportive and know how to push me to be the best athlete I can be. I don’t know if I will ever forget how stunned Coach Sturman was after I ran a 1:05 in the 400 hurdles at outdoor conference last year, he was speechless!

13. What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central Track and Field team?

I have loved all of the friendships I have made while being a member of the Central Track and Field team. When going to practice every day I know that I am getting to see my best friends. On interval days I know that we can all die together during the 200s. I also love being able to joke around with my teammates, I like to think that I make practices entertaining.

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

10 years from now I hope to be living close to home with a teaching job at either Pella or Lynnville- Sully. I also hope to be married with kids and a dog or two.

15. Favorite food from Central Market

16. Bucket list