Cael Cox
Ankeny, Iowa
Class of 2025
Why did you choose Central?
I ran in the Heartland Classic here on campus in high school, and it felt like such an awesome place, even back then. When I visited with the wrestling staff, I knew Central was the place for me because it felt like a second home. Teammates, coaches, and professors are so supportive that it creates an environment perfect for achieving your goals. Plus, I visited on a Tuesday, so the cookies were a major pull factor.
Favorite professor and why?
I have had so many incredible professors, but Professor Martisovits has been my favorite throughout my time here at Central. He presents material with so much enthusiasm, and his curiosity is infectious. His classes are engaging, challenging, and fun all at the same time. He puts in a ton of work in preparation for lectures and researches our questions outside of class to find the best answers for us. He is always happy to see us and asks how our other classes and sports are going. I am definitely going to miss having class with him after graduation.
You’re majoring in engineering because?
I am majoring in engineering because I am a nerd. Math and science have always been fun for me to learn about, and engineering is a blend of both subjects. I was also unsure about what to major in coming into college, but an engineering degree can take me to almost any career path I would choose down the line. Plus, Central’s engineering program is a mechanical-electrical hybrid, so you get a wide exposure to different fields of engineering (perfect for students that don’t know which discipline of engineering they want to go into such as myself).
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am a Modern Physics homework grader and Electronic Devices Lab TA. The opportunity to help out physics and engineering faculty is great. It gives me insight into just how much preparation our professors put into our courses.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I listen to a bunch of different artists, but recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Briston Maroney and Cage the Elephant. I also really like any song from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Attending Central and being on the wrestling team was the best decision of my life. The friends I’ve made over these past four years are going to last a lifetime. Through wrestling, I have made so many friends that I consider brothers. We are all driven to achieve the same goals, and we push each other every day. Even outside wrestling, Central is a family, and there are a ton of people that have helped me grow as a person. I couldn’t have asked for a better college experience.
What’s the first thing you want to eat when you don’t have to worry about making weight?
Honestly, I don’t really get cravings like that anymore. I used to wrestle at 133 pounds as a freshman and sophomore, but since I’ve bumped up to 149 pounds, making weight isn’t really a big deal. However, ice cream is usually the go-to, especially concrete mixers from Culver’s.
Who do you admire the most?
I really admire my little brother. He is in the National Guard and was a Distinguished Honor Graduate from his Basic Training. He’s a beast. What I admire most about him is his permanent and unshakable optimism. Even when tasked with the worst missions, he always attacks them with a great attitude. I also admire my parents. They have sacrificed so much for me to get to this point in life. They work so hard to ensure I am best prepared to succeed.
Which teammate should never be allowed to have the aux in the wrestling room?
Rheiner Stahlbaum needs to be banned from having aux. He was on during our Homecoming Open Mat practice, and I was getting embarrassed listening to his playlist. I usually don’t care what music is playing while I’m wrestling, but Taylor Swift is one of the exceptions that I cannot listen to during that time.
If you could master one unique skill, what would it be and why?
Without a doubt I wish I could master frisbee golf. I love to play, but my passion far outweighs my skill. Even when I do terrible (which is every time I play), I have a blast. If I were good, I could finally brag to my housemates, but I don’t think that day will ever come.
Favorite TV Show
“Friends” is up there for me, but I really don’t watch TV shows that much. When I was a kid, I really liked “Regular Show”.
What’s it like to wrestle for Coach Williams?
It is awesome. Every day we get into the room and learn great techniques. We have a lot of fun learning different ways to score points. Coach Williams is passionate about the sport, and it shows in his preparation and practice plans. This passion is contagious and drives all of us to be students of the sport.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central Wrestling?
My favorite part is traveling around the world with my best friends. The places we have seen together, from New York City to Ireland and Wales, have been incredible. We have made memories that I will look back on fondly for the rest of my life, and it was made possible by the amazing friendships I have made during my time on the Central wrestling team.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to be married and have started a family in 10 years. Hopefully I am living in a house with a big backyard and a wrestling mat inside. I am not completely sure where my career will take me, but I hope to be making a difference in the world.
Favorite food from Central Market
I love cook-to-order eggs. I go back for seconds almost every time Central Market serves them. I really appreciate all they do for us.
Bucket list
I want to travel to every continent, go skydiving, and fly a plane. I think going to space would be the coolest, though.
