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Athlete Awards

Central Close-Up

Taylor Thunstedt headshot

Taylor Thunstedt

  • Award
    Central Close-Up
  • Week Of
    10/17/2024
  • Sport
    Men's Cross Country
  • Bio
    View Full Bio
Taylor Thunstedt
Westby, Wisconsin
Class of 2026

Why did you chose Central?

I chose Central for several reasons. I knew I wanted to be able to compete in a sport and grow in my faith, while also getting a good education.

Favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is Professor Twan Nguyen. He made a relatively dull subject into an interactive, fun class. He’s a really funny professor as well, his sense of humor goes with him in and out of the classroom.

You’re majoring in Business Management because? 

I’m majoring in Business Management because it’s super practical. The major can go in any direction you want to take it, and I’ve learned very valuable life lessons from it.

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

I’m involved in Campus Ministries, which is an on-campus organization that gives students opportunities to grow closer to Christ!

Who are your go-to musical artists?

Oh My goodness, there’s so many! I don’t really have a favorite, but if I had to choose, it’d be a guy named Gregory Alan Isakov. Very folky, acoustic style music.

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

It has impacted my life greatly! I couldn’t even imagine how life would be if I had not come here. Running has given me some incredible relationships, is an outlet to let my competitive side free, and allows me to celebrate my teammates.

Does Culver’s taste the same in Iowa as it does in Wisconsin?

I’m not a true Wisconsinite if I say otherwise. Of course Culver’s tastes better in Wisconsin! I do appreciate the fact that there is a Culver’s in Pella though, I still enjoy it.

Favorite sport besides cross country/track and field?

It has to be basketball! I’ve always loved the game of basketball, I’m just not as talented in that sport to compete in it.

What movie can you recite every word?

Despite popular opinion, I loved Polar Express growing up. I could recite a ridiculous amount of lines from that movie.

What do you value most in life and why?

I value my relationship with Jesus the most. I can’t do any of my running without Him. Everything falls into place when He’s number one.

Favorite TV Show

I don’t watch a lot of TV shows, but I used to love Star Wars: The Clone Wars when I was a kid.

What’s it like to run for Coach Dunham?

Running for Coach Dunham is an incredible honor. He’s very knowledgeable in the sport and he’s kind to his athletes. He understands our desire to compete but also understands that our academics and faith comes first, and I really appreciate that in Coach Dunham.

What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central’s men’s cross country team?

I love all the friendships I’ve made through the team. We have lots and lots of fun, from our travels, our runs and races, to just hanging out and eating together. I’m super thankful for all the guys on the team.

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

I honestly have no idea. My career could be in ministry, in a small business, or anything at this point. I hope to be married and have kids that can run with me, that would be nice. We could be a fun Turkey Trot 5k kind of family.

Favorite food from Central Market

I rock with the sweet and sour chicken. That stuff is amazing.

Bucket list

I would just like to travel. I’m actually pretty Dutch myself, so I think it’d be cool to visit the Netherlands sometime!


 


Athlete Awards
Date Athlete Sport
12/4/2025 Elison Ritzert Dance team
11/14/2025 Maximus Reitano Football
10/30/2025 Landry Pacha Volleyball
10/16/2025 Ava Goben Women's Cross Country
10/2/2025 Jenna Mitsuko Mahoney Women's Tennis
9/18/2025 Allie Pfantz Women's Golf
9/4/2025 Emily Patten Cheerleading
8/21/2025 Estella Allen Women's Triathlon
8/7/2025 Kelley Duffy Women's Soccer
7/24/2025 Mason Back Men's Cross Country
7/10/2025 Jack Hillis Men's Soccer
6/26/2025 Tommy Morlan Men's Track and Field
6/12/2025 Mark Kenney Baseball
6/5/2025 Mickey Martens Women's Golf
5/29/2025 Abbie Stelk Cheerleading
5/22/2025 Ernest Alvarez Chedzoy Men's Tennis
5/15/2025 Abigail White Women's Track and Field
5/8/2025 Emma Lenox Softball
5/1/2025 Caleb Douglass Baseball
4/24/2025 Ethan Gordon Men's Golf
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