John Oltman
Pella, Iowa
Class of 2024
Why did you chose Central?
I chose Central to start because I was playing both basketball and golf. I felt like Central was the best fit for me to play both of these sports. Also the academics at Central, specifically accounting and finance, is one of the best programs in the state of Iowa. I also like the small campus feel with smaller classes. It allows us students to have more one on one time with professors.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor has been George Nwaogu. I have taken many different types of classes with him from economics to sub-saharan African geography. He makes classes fun by cracking jokes and keeps everyone engaged. He also likes getting the students inputs on how he can improve classes to better fit the needs of the students.
You’re majoring in finance because?
I am majoring in Finance because I like working with numbers. It is also a great major because there are many different fields you can go into within Finance. It also sets you up to grow your career at many different companies.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am not involved in much on campus outside of athletics. I do participate in intramural basketball each year which is always a fun way to compete against other students at Central.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
My go to musical artists right now are Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers. They both have a chill and laid back style of country that always keeps you in a good mood.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
The biggest impact playing golf at Central has had on me is the meeting so many new friends. It has given me the opportunity to meet new people that will be my friends for a long time. Coach Blasi has also taught us some great lessons about golf and about life that I can take with me into my future.
What’s the best place to eat in Pella?
The best places to eat in Pella are Yamato and Applebees. You can never go wrong with the occasional sushi run to Yamato. Applebees is a great spot to eat to save some money, especially as a college student. Boneless wings for half apps is some of the best food there is.
If you could bring one fictional character to life, who would it be and why?
I don’t really know who to put here so I will just say Scooby-Doo. I was a big fan when I was growing up and always thought it would be cool to have a dog that could talk.
Best nickname of someone on the golf team?
Kayden Pendergrass probably has the best nickname on the golf team, which probably isn’t appropriate to say here. The nickname used the most is definitely Ethan Gordon, which is “Gordy”. I'm not sure if everyone even knows his actual name as he is always referred to as Gordy.
If you could play one course anywhere in the world what would it be?
My dream course to play has always been Augusta National. From only seeing the course on TV, it looks very pure and a challenge for all golfers. I am hoping one day I will have the great opportunity to play there.
Favorite TV Show
My favorite TV show is “Entourage”. It is a very funny show that has a great story line.
What’s it like to play for Coach Blasi?
Coach Blasi is very smart when it comes to golf and he knows so much about the game. He is going to push you to become better each day. He is very willing to help you in any part of your game that you are struggling in and can usually fix it pretty quickly.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central men’s golf team?
My favorite part of being on the Central golf team is the family feel within the team. We are a close group and are always around each other. I enjoy hanging with the guys on the weekends and building great friendships. From us all hanging out together on the weekends to trips for tournaments has always been a highlight of mine.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
10 years from now I want to have settled down and started a family. The goal is to move somewhere and travel for a few years then move back to Pella or somewhere else in Iowa to settle down. Definitely having a dog in the near future will definitely be on the list. Also, I hope to be working my way up in my current job. I will still continue to play golf on a regular basis and play in a few amateur tournaments throughout the year.
Favorite food from Central Market
The best food at Central market is the Big Red Burger.
Bucket list
My bucket list is to travel the world and play famous golf courses around the world. A few of these would be August National, St. Andrews and Pebble Beach.
