Alex Ruba
Ames, Iowa
Class of 2027
Why did you choose Central?
I chose Central because it was that good balance of away from home yet close enough that I can get back to family. I also prefer a smaller class style that big school’s struggle to offer. A lecture of 300+ people isn’t really my preference, and I feel like I can ask questions with the size classes Central has to offer.
Favorite professor and why?
I don’t have a favorite, but I have a top two which are Professor Lemke and Tuan. There are two Tuan’s though, so I like the one that plays wordle before every class. I’ve never had the other Professor Tuan.
You’re majoring in nusiness management because
I had no idea what I wanted to do coming out of high school and business is very applicable in the real world. After taking some courses in business, I found some of the stuff I was learning to be more interesting than other classes I was taking. In an ideal world my major would be basketball, but it isn’t so I choose to pursue the business side of the world.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
Besides basketball I am recently involved in SAAC, which is Student Athlete Advisory Council? I’ve enjoyed being in SAAC so far. It is interesting hearing about the potential rule changes the NCAA has to offer and then getting the opportunity to express my opinion and vote.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I honestly don’t have a go to music artist. According to my Spotify Wrapped my go to artist is Travis Scott, but honestly, I like random music I hear on Instagram Reels.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
A very cliché answer, but I’ve met a lot of my friends through Central and sports which are the people that make life fun. I also feel like college and sports have kept me disciplined as a person and to not taking things or time for granted.
Favorite NBA team?
Indiana Pacers. Dropped to my knees in Walmart when Haliburton got hurt.
What is your best sport besides basketball?
I’m a dawg at Fortnite, but if you don’t count Esports I would say I’m good at soccer. My greatest memory of sports is scoring a game winner in OT of the quarterfinals of state soccer. Also won a state chip in soccer so that maybe proves I’m pretty good at soccer too.
Which super power would you choose to have for yourself?
Give me whatever Spiderman has I’d go crazy.
Teammate who deserves his own reality show?
Kyle Cason is a goon. It’d have to be a keeping up with the Kardashians style of show though.
Favorite TV Show.
Not a big TV guy but you can’t sleep on The Office.
What’s it like to play for Coach Riordan?
It’s a good mix of having fun and enjoying the process while still being competitive and getting better. He’s a very adaptable coach who is good at communicating what we are doing and why it will be effective in games. He’s also just good at coaching and holding players accountable.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central?
I like meeting a lot of new people from other sports teams on campus. It’s usually through class, but a lot of the guys I’ve met are cool people that make going to class a little more fun. It also encourages me to go out and support the other teams.Â
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to be working at a job that I enjoy showing up to every day. If it brings in a lot of money, then that’s even better. I just need to make enough money to be able to afford my Spotify subscription and the occasional Pancheros run. I hope to still be physically active, but ideally not running. If I pick up running as a hobby, I’ll be very disappointed in myself.
Favorite food from Central Market?
The Chicken Ceasar Salad Sandwich. Â
Bucket list?
Dunk on Taylor Birks. Win darts in 9 throws. Bowl a perfect game. Win the lottery. Get sponsored by a gum company and get free gum for the rest of my life. Live in a house that has a porch at the front so I can sit in a rocking chair and people watch. See the Pacers win an NBA title.
