Sam Staley
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Class of 2023
Why did you choose Central?
Central College had the two things I was looking for most, baseball and engineering. The school’s atmosphere was extremely welcoming and friendly so I could really see myself fitting in here.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Dr. Pavithra Premaratne. He is my advisor and helped me get my first internship at Musco Lighting and also oversaw my internship for credit this last summer at Weiler. Dr. Premaratne is always willing to help and meet outside of class to explain concepts in more depth. You can also tell he deeply cares about his students.
You’re majoring in engineering because?
I am majoring in engineering here at Central. I have always been a very structured person and needed a logical explanation for why things are the way they are. In high school I was good at and enjoyed math, physics, and PLTW which led me to engineering.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
On campus I am on the JV team for the rocket league club. I am the Co-president of the Society of Automotive Engineers here at Central. I am also a student ambassador and have been a TA for the physics department.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I am a big slow country guy, so my favorite artists are Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Tucker Beatherd. I also like the artists for King & Country and Ben Rector.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
It has helped me a lot. It has taught me most importantly, time management, but also how to deal with failing and the mentality needed to overcome it. It has also exposed me to some great coaches and philosophies that have helped me mature as a person during my time here too.
If you could copy one pitch from an MLB pitcher, what pitch would you take and from who?
I would love to be able to throw RA Dickey’s knuckleball. It is the hardest pitch to learn in baseball and even the best knuckleballers don’t know exactly how it’s going to break. My friend RJ tried to teach me his, but it just hasn’t clicked yet.
Is a hot dog a sandwich? Explain your answer
I’m not a big hot dog fan, but I remember reading that the USDA claimed a sandwich is meat between some type of bread. Yes I qualify a hot dog as a sandwich, by that definition.
Best part of going to Florida with the baseball team?
It’s pretty cliche, but the best part is traveling with your best friends and the stories that come from the trip. It’s just great to be able to focus on warm weather and baseball for a whole week.
Are you a morning person or a night person? Why?
I would say that I am currently a night person, but as soon as college is over I fully intend on making the transition to a morning person. I love whenever I get the chance to have a slow morning right now, but my friends in my pod are all night people so it has made me for now.
Favorite TV Show
My favorite TV show right now is Full Swing. I have always loved golf and the mentality behind it. The show hits on how difficult and ruthless the PGA tour is and how hard it is to win.
What’s it like to play for Coach Klunder?
It’s honestly very impactful. His coaching philosophies go way deeper than just playing baseball and are extremely applicable to life. He really values his players' opinions and the team culture that is created in the program. He is also a big picture person when it comes to process. Playing for Coach Klunder in his first few years is like watching him put a puzzle together, I can see big pieces being connected now after a year and how impactful every little piece is to the overall picture. He is a very detailed person and there is a lot of logic and meaning behind every little thing he says and does. I can see how the little things we were doing a year ago have a huge impact on the development of the team today. He challenges you to be better in every way. It has been a privilege to learn from and play for Coach Klunder during my time here.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central baseball?
My favorite part has been growing over the last 4 years with my buddies on the team. Watching everyone improve over the years and creating friendships that truly have a positive impact on my everyday life has been my favorite part. Also learning how to fail has been my favorite too. I know that sometimes I’m gonna go out on the mound and not throw well, but learning to leave it on the field and not let it affect any other aspects of my life has been really vital.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
10 years from now I hope to be doing whatever God has in store for me. Ideally, I would love to have a family and continue using my engineering degree, but you never know where God’s calling is going to take you.
Favorite food from Central Market
My favorite food from the Central Market has to be the breakfast sandwiches in the morning. They are tasty, filling, and never have a long line.
Bucket list
- I would love to go to the Holy Land one day
- I would love to have my own engineering company one day
- Visit all the national parks in the US
- It’s simple, but having my own little family someday
- To have enough money to be a big donor for things I am passionate about
