PELLA—Central College defensive back Peyton Ritzert (senior, Pella, Pella Christian HS) is among 162 college and university players nominated for the Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team.®
           
Ritzert is among the nominees in a combined category of NCAA FCS, Division II and Division III players as well as NAIA athletes. The team was established in 1992 to recognize extra efforts by college football players who find ways to serve others in need. The final 22-member team is selected, based on exceptional leadership on and off the football field, by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists.
           
Central has had five players chosen for the elite squad, starting with Marc Poortinga in 1997 followed by Stephen Barnes in 2005, Cory Nikkel in 2011, Jake Wassenaar in 2015 and Cameron Bannister in 2024.
           
Ritzert spent a week last summer serving with Imagine Guatemala in the city of Antigua building a house. He also volunteered weekly during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years at Third Church in Pella where he led lessons and activities for a class for children. He's also served locally at The Well of Pella, the Pella Community Food Shelf and the Pella Wrestling Club. On campus, he serves on the leadership team for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
           
Ritzert missed all but one game of his junior season with an injury, making five tackles in the season opener with a pass break-up. He's a two-time American Rivers Academic All-Conference choice in 2024 and 2025.