Central College Athletics

Jaxon Thompson
Marion, Iowa
Class of 2024

Why did you choose Central?

In all honesty Central wasn’t even on my radar until I was practically dragged here by my stepfather Craig. I was looking at much bigger schools during my college search but he must have known before I did that I was going to fall in love with this place because he was adamant about me taking a tour here. I’m glad he was too because once my feet touched campus for the first time it was a done deal. Central was always going to be the place for me. A couple good overnights with the track team and a phenomenal chemistry program didn’t hurt either ;)

Favorite professor and why?

I'm doomed regardless of what I say because I’m going to get picked on by the Chem professors I don’t choose for this. But if I was forced to pick I would say Prof. Garr. She’s contributed a lot of her time to helping me nail the beast that is chemistry and I really appreciate her for that. Her classes are also the most fun out of all the ones I’ve taken and I wish I would’ve utilized that as a Gem chem student instead of being afraid of her lol.

You’re majoring in Chemistry because?

Kind of a boring answer but out of all the subjects it's just the one that clicked most for my brain. It’s especially nice because no matter what your interests are, there's a subfield within the study that you can fall in love with. I personally enjoy the math behind chemistry especially at the quantum level because we get to put cats in boxes.

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

I became an RA my freshman year as a way to earn some extra money and contribute to others' college experience, and it's a position that I still hold now. Very fun to be that shoulder to lean on for people. I also got the opportunity to sit on the search committee for the ‘Vice President Dean of Students’ position which was an incredible experience to say the least, and I am happy for what I was able to contribute to not only the committee but also the experience of future Central students.

Who are your go-to musical artists?

Easy. Tyler the Creator, Isaiah Rashad, Frank Ocean, Brent Faiyaz, and Kendrick Lamar (the goat). If these artists aren't on your playlists get them there.

How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?

I was fairly lazy and unmotivated in highschool but during my time here I have really come into a sense of ambition and purpose that I never expected from myself. Both inside and outside the classroom. There’s a lot of good people here to learn from and if you’re observant  you can see what has contributed to their success and incorporate that into your own lifestyle.

Which of the 10 events of the decathlon do you like the most? The least?
 
Surprisingly enough I fell in love with discus the most out of all the events, spinning is so much fun and there's no better feeling than the disc coming off your fingers with some aggression. My least favorite is definitely the Javelin because it feels so awkward. I don’t think I would have made a good caveman.
 
You can only eat one food for a week, what are you picking?

Eggs with chipotle mayo on top, and if you think that's weird reconsider your palette. Yes I’m talking to you Kids Buffet enjoyers.

Favorite board game of all-time

Not sure if this counts but Dungeons and Dragons (I make a really good blood hunter). I play it once a week with some close friends. Theo Baldus is the best dungeon master.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Probably Pete Davidson, I have been compared to him way too much.

Favorite TV Show

Neon Genesis Evangelion. Greatest piece of media in existence and is currently on Netflix. Go watch it.

What’s it like to compete for the Fullers (associate head coach Jim and assistant Brenda)?

I seriously think I could write a book about it. They are a brilliant coaching duo and I have nothing but respect for them. Undoubtedly the parents to our big multi family, I will always have love for them in my heart.

What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central track and field team?

Sitting at dinner with my teammates, we have a great dynamic going between all of us. Some of my favorite memories at Central have happened at those tables in the lower section of the market.

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

Kickin’ it.

Favorite food from Central Market

Brisket Quesadilla I don’t know how they do it but I swear it literally melts in your mouth. I get it as it is even with a pork and lactose allergy.

Bucket list

Debate Ben Shapiro
Make an appearance on the tonight show
Participate in a celebrity boxing match (Don’t ask me who. The list is long.)
Climb every 14er in Colorado! currently 22 in with my godfather Jon and my brother Drake.