Patrick Krapfl
Ames, Iowa
Class of 2025
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because it gave me the opportunity to keep playing baseball and it seemed like it would be a good fit for me when I visited. Additionally, it’s like the perfect distance away from home, not too close, not too far.
Favorite professor and why?
I would have to go with Dr. Pavlat. He’s my academic advisor and I’ve had multiple classes with him. Truly one of the nicest people you’ll meet, and you can tell he really enjoys what he does. He’s worked in a variety of different positions within the world of kinesiology, so he brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the table for us to learn from. Also, we’re both Ames High grads, shout out the Little Cyclones.
You’re majoring in Kinesiology because?
I came into college undecided, but quickly found that kinesiology was the right area for me. I think being an athlete definitely contributed to this decision. Learning about the human body, how it moves, and how we can improve our own fitness abilities as well as help others with their goals has been cool to learn about.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I’m a representative for the baseball team on the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Tough question. My Spotify Wrapped told me I listened to over 100,000 minutes of music last year, so with that comes a solid amount of variety. I probably listen to hip hop/rap the most, and my favorites in that genre would be Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, Baby Keem, and Kanye. I listen to quite a bit of 70s and 80s music too, and find myself choppin’ it up with Coach Boline about this era of music just about everyday. Elton John, Billy Joel, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Queen were cookin’ up some heaters in the studio back in the day, no doubt. I’m always down for new music suggestions too, hit my line if you got anything for me to check out.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
It’s been an incredibly positive experience. Not only have I met a lot of great people, but it has matured me and prepared me for life when it comes time to hang 'em up.
Describe the perfect pizza?
Pepperoni and sausage with banana peppers. If you’re hating on banana peppers, you probably love kids buffet, check your palate homie.
How would you explain how to pronounce your last name?
Great question lol. The P is silent, kinda wack I know. Pronunciation is Krah-full.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten and from who?
“Be a dawg” - Robby Laughlin, Central College hitting coach. These three words inspire me every day.
Coolest MLB stadium you’ve ever seen a game in?
Probably Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The arch and downtown looming in the background makes it a pretty cool place to catch a game, highly recommended.
Favorite TV Show
Prison Break. Michael Scofield was playing chess, everyone else was playing checkers.
What’s it like to play for Coach Carey?
To quote my guy and fellow outfielder Spencer “Sauce” Demarco, Coach Carey is a “W mans” and “good peoples”. For real though, Coach Carey is awesome to play for. He and the rest of our staff create an
environment that allows you to be your authentic self every single day you come to the field. He holds us to a very high standard on and off the field, and we strive to continuously set an even higher standard for our program every day. It is very rewarding to play for him, and see how much he cares about this program. Central baseball is on its way to new heights under his leadership, no doubt in my mind.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central baseball team?
Definitely the relationships you build with your teammates and coaches. During the season, you spend at minimum 3 hours a day with these guys, and you get to know everybody pretty well. I think it’s what makes college sports so special. From the comedic duo of Connor Susman and Colton “Bones” Jones, to talking trash with Chance Dreyer (lil’ bro), and trying to figure out what is going on within the brain of Dom DeLaPaz sometimes, these are relationships that I know will last well past my time at Central, and I am very thankful for this.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Stayin’ easy.
Favorite food from Central Market
This seems to be a hot take, at least upon my baseball teammates, but the street tacos are fyeee. Bones knows what I’m talking about.
Bucket list
See LeBron (the GOAT) play in-person before he retires.
Start a podcast with Sauce and Luke “Wolf Tat” Ackermann. We could talk hoops all day long. Stay tuned??.
Watch the Vikings beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl and never let Logan McCoy forget about it.
Take my parents on vacation somewhere.
