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CENTRAL COLLEGE ATHLETICS COMPETE WITH THE
www.central.edu
1 EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE
You want to be pushed, stretched and challenged to be your best. As an athlete. As a student. As a person. You want coaches and professors who will hold you to a high standard. You want to learn. You want to perform. You want to win. And you want teammates and classmates who expect nothing less.
THAT’S CENTRAL ATHLETICS.
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2 Quarterback Blaine Hawkins ’21 is one of Central’s all-time football greats. With a season to go, he’s already the most prolific passer in school history. His name sits atop the list of nearly every single-season and career passing record. “What I love is being a part of the brotherhood that is Central College football,” he says. “I’m lucky to be part of that group.” In 2019, Hawkins threw for a school- record 3,302 yards and 44 touchdowns and rushed for 522 yards and another nine touchdowns. He was a first-team all- You want to be pushed, stretched and challenged to be your best. American Rivers Conference selection for a second year in a row and was named the As an athlete. As a student. As a person. conference’s offensive player of the year. He and the Dutch had a season to You want coaches and professors who will hold you to a high standard. remember. They finished 10-2, won their first You want to learn. You want to perform. You want to win. conference title since 2009 and advanced to the Division III playoffs, winning a postseason And you want teammates and classmates who expect nothing less. game for the first time since 2007. While football was a big reason Hawkins chose Central, he found so much more once THAT’S CENTRAL ATHLETICS. he got on campus. He’s an economics major with a minor in business management, serves on the Student Senate, studied abroad in London and has participated in internships in the U.S. and abroad. “Your time at Central is what you make it,” he says. “I’ve gained experience that will benefit me going forward.”
Hear more of Blaine’s story: BLAINE HAWKINS ’21 central.edu/hawkins. HOMETOWN: Ankeny, Iowa MAJOR: Economics MINOR: Business Management SPORT: Football POSITION: Quarterback SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Trustee and Creative Writing Award
“The football team is like family. They’re always ready to give you a hand if you need it.” — BLAINE HAWKINS ’21
3 FOOTBALL
+ AMERICA’S FOURTH- WINNINGEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM SINCE 1975
+ 31 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
+ 21 NCAA PLAYOFF BERTHS
Central reached the second round of the 2019 NCAA Division III Football Championships.
“Tradition is something you kind of just breathe here. The program’s legacy speaks for itself. Being able to continue that legacy and the tradition is part of what makes the program so special.” — JORDY BORMAN ’20
HOMETOWN: Eagan, Minnesota MAJOR: Athletic Training POSITION: Defensive Back SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Heritage and Trustee GRAD SCHOOL: Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer, Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota
17 CONFERENCE VOLLEYBALL TITLES + 11 NCAA “Playing Central volleyball has been one of the best choices of my life. I have been given the opportunity to TOURNAMENT travel to so many different schools and states to BERTHS play but also received the tools to succeed academically and athletically. I am constantly being pushed to be the best + athlete and person I can be.” — RUTH HRUSKA-KELLEY ’22 3 HOMETOWN: Brookfield, Illinois NATIONAL MAJOR: Biology/Pre-Nursing CHAMPIONSHIPS POSITION: Outside Hitter SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Journey and Verploeg 5 BASKETBALL
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Winner of six conference crowns, the Central women’s basketball team has captured a national championship while earning five NCAA tournament berths.
OFFICIAL SPONSOR CENTRAL WAS THE FIRST UNDER ARMOUR COLLEGE IN IOWA.
“I am fulfilling my dream of playing college basketball at Central. It has challenged me to become a better player both mentally and physically. I am not just a player here, I am part of a family that will be alongside me for the remainder of my career and beyond.” — KELSEA HURLEY ’23
HOMETOWN: Scottsdale, Arizona MAJOR: Psychology POSITION: Guard SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Dean’s, Journey, Trustee and Community Service Award
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CENTRAL HAS WON 17 CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL TITLES WITH 11 NCAA DIVISION III TOURNEY BERTHS.
“My relationship with the guys on the team and with our coaches is so genuine. They don’t have an agenda. They have goals, but they are here for our betterment. I wouldn’t trade playing Division III basketball because everything is so real.” — JACOB ANDERSON ’22
HOMETOWN: Iowa City, Iowa MAJOR: Business Management MINOR: Exercise Science POSITION: Guard SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential and Trustee
7 SOCCER
2019
Central won the 2019 men’s conference title and made its first NCAA Division III Championships appearance.
With 93 wins in eight seasons under Coach Mike Kobylinski ’03, the Central women’s soccer team is a regional contender.
“My teammates and coaches constantly push me to be better on the field — and off the field as well. The amount of support I receive in and out of season is crazy. I’m so thankful for that.” — KATIE WANG ’21
HOMETOWN: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota MAJORS: Biochemistry and Spanish POSITION: Forward SCHOLARSHIP: Joan Kuyper Farver
Wang was named a 2020 Goldwater Scholar in a prestigious national competition that recognizes undergraduates for outstanding achievements in the fields of mathematics, science and engineering.
8 WRESTLING
2 FULL-TIME STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHES GIVE EACH CENTRAL ATHLETE AN INDIVIDUALIZED STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PLAN + 7 “I’ve improved so much and gotten closer to my TOP-10 NCAA WRESTLING goals thanks to my hard-working teammates and my TEAM FINISHES awesome coaches. There’s no better feeling than getting a pin at the regional meet and being able to look up at my whole team freaking out and know they’re in my corner.” + — GAVIN BABCOCK ’21 HOMETOWN: Altoona, Iowa 53 MAJOR: Business Management WRESTLING WEIGHT CLASS: 197 pounds ALL-AMERICA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Jann Freed, Trustee, Journey and Kester 9 BASEBALL
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Central has won 20-plus games in 11 seasons since 2005, with two conference titles.
“I appreciate how well the professors here at Central work with student-athletes. They’re always willing to work around your schedule. They even send emails or congratulate you in person on a good game. It’s one of those things that makes playing for Central really cool.” — TREVOR KIMM ’21
HOMETOWN: Urbandale, Iowa MAJOR: Exercise Science POSITION: Catcher SCHOLARSHIPS: Journey, Rathmell and Trustee Scholarships and Central Foundations and Community Service Awards
“The mental side of baseball is so deep and there’s just so much stress you go through that I think it translates well into the classroom.” — GARRETT SAUNDERS ’19 Two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree Shortstop, Atlanta Braves minor league organization 10 SOFTBALL 30
CENTRAL HAS FOUR NCAA NATIONAL SOFTBALL TITLES WITH A RECORD 30 NCAA TOURNEY APPEARANCES.
“My athletics experience at Central has been incredible. I have learned so much about the game and myself. Central softball has made believe in myself and the importance of living in the moment.” — DARIA PARCHERT ’21
HOMETOWN: Illinois City, Illinois MAJOR: Business Management POSITION: Shortstop SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Journey, Central Heritage Grant and Ministry and Mission Award
11 CROSS COUNTRY
Central’s on-campus cross country course is one of Division III’s top college courses. It was the site of two NCAA Central Region Championships.
The Central women’s cross country team won an NCAA national championship.
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The Central men’s cross country team has been represented at seven NCAA national meets since 2011.
“Central has helped me grow as a person. It has challenged me academically, athletically and spiritually. I have learned a lot about myself and will use those lessons as I transition into the future and my career.” — NATE SANDERS ’21
HOMETOWN: Waukee, Iowa MAJOR: Exercise Science SPORT: Cross Country SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Trustee, Terlouw and Ministry and Mission Award
12 TRACK & FIELD 12
Winner of 12 indoor and outdoor conference men’s track and field titles since 2009, Central captured four individual national championships the past two seasons.
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The Dutch women’s track and field team has an NCAA national team title and 11 individual crowns.
“Central has helped me turn my goals into reality. It has given me the confidence to know that I can compete and succeed and do whatever I put my mind to with the right amount of work, dedication and encouragement from others.” — MARY GRAY ’21
HOMETOWN: West Des Moines, Iowa MAJOR: Business Management SPORT: Track and Field SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Trustee, Class of 1971, Central Heritage Grant and Community Service Award
13 GOLF
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The Central men’s golf team has a record 32 conference crowns while earning 33 NCAA tourney berths.
The Bos Landen Golf Club is Central’s home course and received a four-star rating from Golf Digest. Central’s Ryerson Golf Practice 10 Facility features two chipping greens, The Dutch won their 10th conference practice bunkers and 20 tee boxes. women’s golf title in 2018 and earned a berth in the 2019 NCAA Division III Championships.
“My experience at Central has been amazing. It has given me every opportunity I could dream of, like being able to play golf at a high level and continue the tradition of Central men’s golf. It’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world.” — KOBE RHODES ’20
HOMETOWN: Glenwood, Iowa MAJOR: Business Management MINOR: Entrepreneurship SPORT: Golf SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Trustee and Community Service Award
14 TENNIS 31
THE DUTCH HAVE EARNED ALL-CONFERENCE WOMEN’S TENNIS HONORS 31 TIMES SINCE 2007.
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Fourteen conference men’s tennis championships belong to the Dutch, who have 34 top-three league team finishes since 1975.
“Being on the Central tennis team has given me an amazing group of friends right away, and Coach (Ryun) Ferrell always knows how to make you smile.” — ALIVIA GERSTEIN ’21
HOMETOWN: Iowa Falls, Iowa MAJOR: Business Management SPORT: Tennis SCHOLARSHIPS: Presidential, Petz, Heritage, Butler and Jann Freed
15 CHEER DANCE TEAM TEAM Central took second place in the Central posted top-three finishes in game day division at the 2020 three events at the 2020 American American Rivers Conference Cheer Rivers Conference Dance and Cheer and Dance Invitational. The squad Invitational. Central also captured three received an Outstanding Awards at first-place awards at the Iowa State the 2018 CANAM Nationals in Dance & Drill Team Championship. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
16 FACILITIES FOR THE FUTURE
Central is inspired by its athletics tradition and continues to build first-class facilities for competition and training.
IN 2020, CENTRAL COMPLETED A SECOND PHASE IN A PROJECTED $18 MILLION EXPANSION/RENOVATION OF P.H. KUYPER GYMNASIUM. IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:
+ Spacious new men’s and women’s varsity locker rooms. + New wrestling room.
+ New entrance and atrium.
+ Football stadium upgrade.
+ Enhanced athletic training room.
“These facilities are game-changers for our student-athletes.”
ERIC VAN KLEY Athletics Director
17 NOTABLE BEYOND CENTRAL ALUMNI JOSHUA BRUNK ’18 Academic All-Conference “Central’s diverse curriculum, which included a range of subjects, forced me Football Offensive Lineman Doctoral Student, to be mentally nimble and develop the ability to keep multiple projects Occupational Therapy moving at the same time. Essentially, multi-tasking that requires Washington University critical thinking. I’ve used that skill each and every day since I began working.” St. Louis, Missouri WILL DANIELS ‘19 BRITTANY COPPESS ‘19 Three-time NCAA champion, Multi-Events Conference Champion CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year Women’s Golfer Men’s Track and Field Assistant Professional The Club at Chatham Hills Graduate Student, Clinical Exercise Physiology Westfield, Indiana University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa ANNIE DEVRIES ’18 All-Conference Softball Player Doctoral Student, College of Pharmacy University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa
HEIDI GOSSEN ’16 Women’s Track and Field/Cross Country University Outreach Graphic Designer ReachAcross London, England
RILEY GRAY ’17 All-Conference Football Quarterback NCAA Postgraduate Scholar Dental Student, University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa
DREW JACKSON ’15 All-America Men’s Track Runner Environmental Scientist Trileaf Corporation Ankeny, Iowa
RYAN KRUSE ’18 All-America Men’s Track Heptathlete Graduate Student, Data Science Minnesota State University Mankato Mankato, Minnesota
18 “YOU GET THE EXPERIENCE” “Central prepared me for athletic training, but the biggest things are the intangibles Central provides. Just being able to live on your BEYOND CENTRAL own and handle things. Being comfortable in certain situations and problem-solving. The way Central’s program works, you get that experience right away.”
NATE WEIR ’05 Men’s Soccer Defender Coordinator of Rehabilitation Green Bay Packers, Green Bay, Wisconsin
“A COMMUNITY I CAN STILL TURN TO” “Central helped me get to where I am today by supporting both my academic and athletic dreams. Central allowed me to develop personal relationships with my teammates, classmates, coaches and professors, creating a community I can still turn to today.” TARYN PENNINGTON ’13 Softball Outfielder High-Performance Health Care Services Provider U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center Colorado Springs, Colorado
“I WILL ALWAYS BE THANKFUL” “I will always be thankful that Central College prepared me for a meaningful career and encouraged an interest in public service. I’m forever proud that I had the honor of wearing that ‘C’ on my helmet while playing a game I love with some of the best friends I will ever have.” ADAM GREGG ’06 Football Defensive Back Lieutenant Governor, State of Iowa Des Moines, Iowa
“CONFIDENCE IS IMPORTANT” “The world is competitive, and developing confidence is important, especially for young women. Being at a place like Central where you are challenged, but also have people who believe in you, is really valuable for life after college.” MOLLY PARROTT ’02 All-America Women’s Basketball Guard, Softball Second Baseman Radio/Television Sports Color Analyst, Senior Director of Development Iowa State University Foundation Ames, Iowa Visit central.edu/outcomes to see these alumni stories. 19 WE ARE FOREVER DUTCH®
20 CENTRAL ATHLETICS: MORE THAN A FOUR-YEAR EXPERIENCE
ATHLETICS AND EDUCATION UNITE They do at Central, which is one reason the Central experience is so special. The confidence you can develop navigating a late-night bus schedule in London, the rush of discovering something new in a lab and the poise displayed in facing an 0-2 pitch with the tying run on third base all come together to make you who you were meant to be.
CHAMPIONSHIPS DON’T COME EASILY The training can be exhausting. The competition can be fierce. But at Central, the hardest thing you’ll be asked to do is to turn in your uniform at the end of your senior season because you’ve learned to cherish every minute of the game and the journey with your fellow teammates.
THE CENTRAL ATHLETICS JOURNEY CONTINUES AFTER GRADUATION You’ll savor memories of the most grueling workouts. You’ll retain the bonds with teammates and coaches you’ve formed for a lifetime. You’ll appreciate and apply daily the lessons you learned about self-discipline, teamwork and commitment. Your connections to the program and to the athletes of yesterday and tomorrow will continue to grow.
Only at Central can you discover what it means to be FOREVER DUTCH®.
www.central.edu
You are always welcome back to campus.
21 BECAUSE AVERAGE IS NOT AN OPTION
DIVISION III: A BETTER WAY TO PLAY Competing in NCAA Division III is about becoming better prepared for success in all aspects of life after college. Few places do that as well as Central — in fact, retired Central President Ken Weller authored the original Division III philosophy.
22 Sara Tallman ’20 knew she wasn’t going to be on TV. Nor was she going to get an athletics scholarship to play softball at Central College. That never affected her decision to play for the Dutch, who compete at the NCAA Division III level. She’s a three-time all-region performer as well as a 2020 CoSIDA Academic All-American. But at Central, it’s about more than the glory. “Everyone who’s on a team for any sport at Central is doing it because they love it,” Tallman says. That’s not to say goals are different from those at any level. That’s especially true in Central’s softball program, which has won four national championships (2003, 1993, 1991, 1988) and went to the postseason in 10 of 11 seasons from 2009-2019. “You still have high expectations,” Tallman says. “We’re still trying to be the best we can be. We’re still pushing ourselves. Everyone is in it because they enjoy it, but that’s still something you get at Division III.” Hear more of Sara’s story: central.edu/tallman.
SARA TALLMAN ’20 HOMETOWN: Pella, Iowa MAJOR: Elementary Education SPORT: Softball SCHOLARSHIPS: Joan Kuyper Farver, Central Heritage and Creative Writing
“I love being a student-athlete here. From softball to becoming more confident in my major, I’ve grown a lot here. Everyone here cares about you. Everyone here wants the best for you.” — SARA TALLMAN ’20
23 BECAUSE AVERAGE IS NOT AN OPTION.
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ALL-AMERICAN NCAA DIVISION III TEAM CONFERENCE TEAM AWARDS TITLES IN SIX SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS
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COSIDA ACADEMIC NCAA POSTGRADUATE ALL-AMERICAN SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS AWARDS
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