Jackson Moats
Bettendorf, Iowa
Class of 2024
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because the school has a great Kinesiology program, and they also gave me the opportunity to run track and field. I really wanted to be a kinesiology major, and here I could do both!
Favorite professor and why?
In Kinesiology, it is either Dr. Shuger-Fox or a rising star is Dr. Bradley. They bring a lot of fun energy to class, and I am a fan of their teaching styles. My favorite non-kinesiology professor would be Dr. Witt, I took a pop culture history class with her, and she managed to make history super fun for me! She is also just a sweet person.
You’re majoring in strength and conditioning because?
I am a Strength and Conditioning major because I have had some great strength coaches in my life, and I wanted to do the same thing for someone one day. Also lifting has been a great stress reliever for me so I enjoy the environment wholeheartedly.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am an RA in the pods, I have been involved in various DEI related events on campus, and I am a strength and conditioning intern, so I am working with a lot of different teams.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Love The Weeknd, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Future, Linkin Park, Paramore, but I am a HUGE PinkPantheress fan! So, a large variety of artists.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
I have learned how to lead, train properly, and especially I have found my “why” for training whether it’s weight training, running, teaching, or even recovery.
What is your most embarrassing athletic moment?
Not a moment on the track but my sophomore year we had our indoor conference meet at Dubuque. We ate dinner, went back to our hotel rooms, and it was time to shower up. It was finally my turn to shower and there were a few of my teammates in our hotel room just hanging out. I step into the shower, I scream “OH MY GOD” because I lost my footing, I then proceeded to fall back first in the shower, and it was LOUD. I finished showering, and walked out and everyone was still laughing at me.
What is your favorite throwback song/movie/show?
Song: I make a joke about Boogie Wonderland being the greatest song ever, but I don’t think it’s a joke anymore.
Movie: Gotta go with some of my favorites here, either 2001: A Space Odyssey, Hercules, Rocky, or Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
Show: I’ve always been a Spongebob kid. Easy pick there.
Describe your dream vacation
I’m not going to lie; I haven’t really thought about it. But if you need an answer, Paris.
What is one food item you could eat every day of your life?
Baked beans are one of my favorite foods ever. It’s either that, or good ol’ cheeseburger
Favorite TV Show
Mentioned Spongebob. But my favorite of all time? Probably Attack on Titan, has amazing action, a great story, great writing, and phenomenal characters.
What’s it like to compete for Coach Sturman?
He holds you to a high standard, which is something I can applaud. He also pushes you to be your best.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central men’s track and field team?
It’s an excellent training environment. A bunch of people who are very passionate about track and field. We have a ton of fun to keep everyone loose and relaxed, but when it’s time to lock in, it’s time to lock in.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
In ten years, I would like to be a strength coach in a private sector or at the high school level.
Favorite food from Central Market
Easy, Bourbon Chicken. If not that, then a good ‘ol chocolate chip cookie on Fresh Cookie Tuesday
Bucket list
I’ve been seeing a lot of Go Fund Me posts on TikTok in the past year, I think it would be really cool if I matched someone’s goal in one payment on there to make things better for someone.
