Junior
Centerville, Iowa
Why Central?
Growing up only an hour from Pella and having visited numerous times I’ve always had a sense of familiarity with Central. The close knit nature of the community really influenced my decision to attend school here. I knew that the support system in place and the vast number of opportunities available made Central the right fit for me. The real determining factor, though, was the trip I took to Jaarsma on one of my visits.
Favorite professor and why?
This is a really tough question as I’ve had so many fantastic professors across multiple disciplines at Central. For my favorite, though, I’ll have to go with Dr. Glenn Barnett. He has a very laid back teaching style and is extremely knowledgeable about a ton of topics. He also has a number of great stories he enjoys telling during downtimes in lab.
In your iPod?
I really listen to all genres of music depending on my mood. If I’m in my room studying or working on homework you’ll normally find me listening to a country or hip hop playlist. If I’m in the weight room or getting ready to throw, though, I’m usually blaring hard rock a little louder than I probably should.
You’re majoring in exercise science because?
The human body and its limitless capabilities have always been very fascinating to me. Majoring in exercise science has allowed me to learn an immense amount about the body. I’m also majoring in biochemistry which takes a more in-depth approach, identifying why the body does what it does and how these processes work. I’ve found that these two majors are greatly intertwined, making them both all the more interesting.
Person past or present you’d most like to have lunch with?
Bill Nye the Science Guy
Chore you’ve always hated to do?
No contest, washing dishes is the absolute worst.
Favorite professional athlete of all-time?
Stan Musial tops the list as my favorite professional athlete. My all-time favorite athlete, though, is without a doubt Corey Broxson, the guy’s a legend. I’m not sure what number he is on the field but he’s definitely number one in my heart.
Best road trip you’ve ever been, where did you go?
No single road trip really sticks out but the spontaneous, unplanned road trips I always seem to end up taking are by far the best.
Something you didn’t know about Central until you got here?
I guess I expected the Black Friday deals on tuition to be a bit better.
If you could learn any foreign language, which one would you chose?
I’ve always thought German would be interesting to learn.
Favorite TV Show?
Community but lately Planet Earth 2 has been my go to.
The one thing people don’t know about Coach Walz?
Coach Walz was an incredible thrower in his day and to be honest he might still be able to out throw me.
Why do you love Central track and field?
Dutch track and field truly is a special program. Our coaching staff and the support that they give each and every athlete is second to none. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to continue the Dutch track and field tradition.
“Ten years from now I’ll...”
be married and have started a family and, if I’m lucky, I’ll have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up.
Favorite food from Central Market?
The only real answer to this question is fruit pizza.
Bucket list?
Skydiving has to be toward the top but my parents don’t seem to like the idea of me jumping out of a plane. Visiting the Himalayas, bungee jumping, seeing a game at every Major League Baseball stadium, and traveling to each continent are also on the list.
