Elijah Belzer
Wapello, Iowa
Class of 2026
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central for the people I met here. My Faith is at the core of my life and I feel like the people I met on visits and the connections I made were crucial for helping me grow in all aspects of my life. The people I’ve grown to know here genuinely care about me and want the best from me so they are constantly pushing me to be better and they are always willing to give me a hand when I need support. The connection I have here with FCA, the wrestling team huddle, churches here in town, and some of my role models are a big part of my life and I’m thankful to God for bringing me here.
Favorite professor and why?
This one is pretty hard to answer, I’ve had some great experiences in my classes. I’d probably have to go with Dr. Keith Jones. I have only had one class with him and it was my freshman year LAS. I would highly recommend that anyone take a Dr. Jones class. He made the material engaging and was very approachable whenever I had a question. I enjoyed his class, not because of the material but because of how he taught it. He invested a lot in us as a class and he cared about our development as college students. I know whenever I see him I can say hi and have a good conversation because he always has good commentary and questions.
You’re majoring in strength and conditioning because?
I love the weight room and I love seeing people grow. I wouldn’t have even considered college unless I had a coach invest in me and grow my love for my sport. I see my major as a way to be able to invest in athletes in all sports and encourage them to become better people and champion athletes. Some people become pastors or missionaries to make an impact but I don’t need to go overseas, I see the weight room as my mission field.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I’m involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a huddle leader and I’m an intern in the Central Strength program, currently.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Zach Bryan is a solid go-to but now that everyone knows about him it’s not as cool (I was listening back in 2019, before he was cool). Other than him, though I’ve been listening to Red Clay Strays, Caamp, or Watchhouse. I’ve also been getting back into grunge so I might get some Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains, or Smashing Pumpkins going.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
I’ve met so many great people and learned a lot while competing at Central. It’s cool seeing the transition from high school to college and how some people embrace it and jump levels. With the longer season and the more intense competition, it’s awesome to be able to look back at where I was a year or two ago and see how much better I’ve gotten.
What’s your favorite exercise in the weight room?
Pyramid Back Squat where the reps go 12-10-8-6-8-10-12 is awesome. Hang cleans are fun and double arm DB rows with high reps will give you an insane back pump, but back squat is the king of all movements. That day in early spring, when the wrestlers have pyramid squats on our cards, is a holiday for me.
Would you rather go into the past or the future?
Honestly, I don’t have much care for either, but I’d rather go into the past. With what I know now I feel like I could get a good run out of the stock market and set my family up to not have to worry about money. I could use that to open up a bunch of training facilities and launch a supplement and gym equipment brand.
All-time favorite wrestler to watch compete?
I don’t have a good answer for this one, Jordan Burroughs probably.
Which cartoon character would you want to hang out with?
I loved watching Scooby-Doo when I was younger but that wouldn’t be the best hang out. I’m going to pick Aang from the Avatar I just feel like if he can control all the elements and whatnot he could teach me some cool stuff. If I’m a bad student we could still go sledding or something.
Favorite TV Show
Right now my wife, Esther is making me go through Peaky Blinders with her so we can watch the movie when it comes out. It’s pretty good, but it’s got nothing on Scooby-Doo.
What’s it like to wrestle for Coach Williams?
He’s been awesome as a coach, the way he breaks down and teaches technique is great. The way practices have been this year and the things we’ve been working on, I think we’re set to make some waves this year as a team. The longest I’ve ever had a wrestling coach has been 2 years so I’ve seen a few transitions and I’ve seen a bunch of different coaching styles. But it’s easy to say that he’s only going to bring our program up, his style of coaching and his goals work very well with our team dynamics.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central Wrestling?
The people are the highlight easily. I’m learning from my coaches and being pushed daily in the room either on technique or conditioning, but it’s not just the wrestling itself. I get the opportunity to grow in my faith with my teammates in FCA or our team huddle. ¾ of my wedding party this summer were guys on my team and some of my favorite memories while here have been with my teammates.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
10 years from now I want to have a job as a Strength & Conditioning coach where I can impact athletes and help them grow.
Favorite food from Central Market.Â
I think Build Your Own Breakfast Sandwich Day is the best breakfast hands down.
Bucket list
I want to coach a state champion and a national champion at some point in my career. Pella High has been killing it this fall and I’m watching the football championship as I’m writing this, so I’ll keep y’all posted.
I want to squat 500
I want to go fishing in Alaska
I want to shoot a 12-point buck or higher
I want to have my own land somewhere
I will be content with whatever God blesses me with, but if those were to happen too I wouldn’t be complaining.
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