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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
5/8/2025 Emma Lenox Softball
5/1/2025 Caleb Douglass Baseball
4/24/2025 Ethan Gordon Men's Golf
4/17/2025 Trey Hull Men's Tennis
4/10/2025 Emma Jensen Softball
4/3/2025 Dylan Williams Baseball
3/27/2025 Lincoln Eighmy Men's Golf
3/20/2025 Mary Gustason Women's Track and Field
3/13/2025 Mariah Parton Softball
3/6/2025 Emma Murphy Women's Tennis
2/20/2025 Jordan Crooks Dance team
2/13/2025 Bailey Reding Women's Basketball
2/6/2025 Kip Tupa Men's Basketball
1/30/2025 Madilyn Rowson Women's Wrestling
1/23/2025 Austin Roos Men's Wrestling
1/16/2025 Gabby Moore Women's Basketball
1/9/2025 Amber Vroman Women's Track and Field
1/2/2025 Maggie Williams Cheerleading
12/26/2024 Will Henricksen Men's Basketball
12/19/2024 Cael Cox Men's Wrestling
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