Sam West
Burlington, Iowa
Class of 2026
Why did you chose Central?
I chose Central because of the small school feel that it provided, while still providing lots of opportunity. The opportunity to get a high-quality education and to work with large scale local businesses was too good to pass up.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Graham Lemke. He teaches in a way that requires you to truly think about understand material. It pushed me and made me interested in topics I originally didn’t care about. And on top of it, he is always there giving his time and effort whenever it is needed.
You’re majoring in business management because?
It is something I have always been around. I hope to take what I learned perusing my major, as well as my minors in Economics and Data Science back to my family business and provide something that maybe hasn’t been brought to the table before.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I am involved in small group FCA for the wrestling team. I am also an SI leader and a tutor.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, and Gunna
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Being an athlete at Central has given me opportunities in many ways. I’ve met many people throughout Central and the Pella community that are rooting for me, giving me advice and helping me find direction in my life, in and outside of sports. Through Central I got the opportunity to intern at Vermeer and develop real world experience. Through wrestling I’ve gotten to better my craft and push myself as an athlete all year round. The impact is beyond measure, and I believe all my experiences here have influenced me to be better in all aspects of life.
What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Giving my life to Jesus Christ!
Best gift you’ve ever received?
Scuba gear
Favorite professional athlete?
Spencer Lee
Best book you’ve ever read?
The Catcher in the Rye
Favorite TV Show?
Landman
What’s it like to wrestle for Coach Williams?
It’s a grind, which is what the sport should be. He gives us his all, and he asks for the same in return. He pushes us and gives us an example of what it means for us to also push ourselves, in all that we do.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central's men's wrestling team?
My favorite part about being part of Central Wrestling is the family I’ve developed. I now have about 100 brothers from my freshman year until now, and I don’t want to imagine life without having met one of them.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope I’m succeeding in my profession, whatever that ends up being. But also in my faith, and family life. And hopefully I am giving back to the sport I love, or at least involved somehow.
Favorite food from Central Market
Bourbon Chicken
Bucket list
I just want to travel to as many places as I can and experience as much as I can. But I want to start with places that contain lots of history.
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