Leo Blawou
Des Moines, Iowa
Class of 2024
1. Why did you choose Central?
My coach went here and took me to a couple camps that Central had. I enjoyed the size of the campus and the people.
2. Favorite professor and why?
Matt Diehl was my professor when I was a freshman but what really makes him great is all the help he gives me outside of class. from finding me moving jobs to getting in contact with resources that would be useful to me on campus he’s just an all-around helpful guy.
3. You’re majoring in sociology because?
Well, the job I would like to have doesn’t necessarily require a degree but knowing about sociology would definitely be helpful. I also just like the subject. (fill-in the blank with your major)
4. Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I'm not really involved in much outside of wrestling. I work on campus, I play rugby which is technically a club and I’m a peer instructor.
5. Who are your go-to musical artists?
Akon (favorite song is Ghetto), Bracket (favorite song Do As I Do) , Michal Jackson (favorite song P.Y.T)
6. How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
The biggest impact central has had on me is by making me more open with interacting with people.
7. Would you rather have more time or more money?
well I don't know how much time i have left but I don’t think I’m at the point in my life where time should be a problem so right now i would pick money
8. Favorite sport besides wrestling?
hands down would be RUGBY
9. Last book you read that wasn’t for school?
Legend by Marie Lu
10. Favorite match of your career? (High school or college)
I honestly don’t have one but if I had to pick it would probably be my state qualifying match my junior year of high school.
11. Favorite TV Show?
Grimm, it came out in 2011 and it's still really good though it sadly ended in 2017. It will be missed.
12. What’s it like to compete for Coach Van Kley?
He honestly reminds me a lot of a high school head coach. He gives really good advice, genuinely cares about everyone on the team and in my opinion his best characteristic is that he puts his money where his mouth is when it comes to his workout. He doesn't put us through anything that he couldn't do himself. I can't help but have respect for someone like him and not much else you can ask for a coach to be.
13. What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central wrestling?
Being a part of a team that doesn't just care about the sport but wants the best for every person in the room as well. Many believe that wrestling is an individual sport which isn’t entirely true. While you do need to be hungry and somewhat selfish to succeed. The other wrestlers in the room can make or break your journey. Before I joined Coach Van Kley told me that this would be the closest nit team I've ever been a part of and he kept his word.
14. What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Hopefully being a coach for the school I started at.
15. Favorite food from Central Market
fried rice
16. Bucket list
graduate
start my career
buy a house
visit New Zealand
