CUI, oh CUI, may your glory never die - The Central Bulletin - Winter 2005

Group project — Striving for an athletics experience that enhances a Central education amid a growing and often unhealthy emphasis on college athletics nationwide

It’s 6 a.m. and Jake Anderson bounces into the Ron Schipper Fitness Center on a chilly, early winter morning. Some 30 baseball players groggily trudge in as well. Most have been awake about 10 minutes. Their hair, appearing lifeless as strewn tree branches after a windstorm, apparently hit the snooze button.

The energetic Anderson didn’t get home from work until 8 p.m. the night before, and he’s looking at another 12 or so hours ahead in his day on the job as Central’s highly regarded strength and conditioning coordinator.

Working in a building that didn’t exist 10 years ago, Anderson is performing a job few could have even imagined at Central at that time, yet he’s busier than a Toys ’R Us clerk on the day after Thanksgiving. In many ways, it’s symbolic, not only of intercollegiate athletics growth within the NCAA Division III, but also of Central’s progressive approach.

In the old days, a small-college coaching staff could be housed in three or four gymnasium offices, with coaching responsibilities shared by physical education faculty members. That was before the onslaught of what some term the Division III arms race, a dollarsswallowing mania mirroring that which consumes the win-now Division I brethren of small schools. As highend multisport event centers with indoor tracks and pricey digital athletics video suites pop up at the smallest of institutions, and as specialized coaching jobs are created for every football position short of placekick holder, coaches at many Division III schools are no longer viewed as instructors, and ties to the academic side of campuses have become tenuous.

Central has not been immune to these pressures. The school’s athletics staff isn’t as large as those at many Division III institutions, but the days when it could be housed in a single second-floor Kuyper Gym corridor are long over. The growing Kuyper Athletics Complex occupies a significant chunk of the campus’ west side.

Yet the college remains steadfast to some core beliefs. Unlike most colleges, no Central employee lists coaching as his/her sole responsibility. Some have administrative tasks, and many have teaching duties. Even athletics director Al Dorenkamp ’75 carves a
slice out of his 70-hour workweek to assist Central’s education department by going on the road to observe student teachers. Even if the hours spent outside of athletics by coaches are minimal, the message is clear: athletics at Central are part of the educational mission.

Conversely, at many Division III schools, serving as strength and conditioning coordinator is a part-time task that an offensive line coach takes on in the off season. But Anderson’s full-time spot at Central wasn’t created to simply enhance the physiques of the elite athletes. It’s about serving students — not just football players — and that can’t happen on a part-time basis. Anderson insists on providing the same kind of individualized attention that is the hallmark of Central’s faculty. Doing so for more than 600 student-athletes barely leaves Anderson and his four interns enough time to even check their e-mail. But Anderson is building more than muscles.

“By helping with their off-season development, Jake Anderson helps every student-athlete feel he or she is valued,” said Dorenkamp. “I think that’s a big asset for parents. They recognize Central really does care about their son or daughter.

“Woody Hayes [former Ohio State football coach] used to have a saying, that ‘The core of motivation is personal attention.’ I think our professors would say that and in athletics, we have a chance to do that with Jake.”

It’s not just athletes who benefit. Anderson is available as a resource for all students and staff.

“They all have access to Jake, and he’ll spend time with anyone who asks,” Dorenkamp said. “That sends a message that he’s not just an athletics tool. His position is a real community relationship builder.”

Standing out in the crowd — Using athletics as a marketing tool propels Central to record-breaking enrollment

An even more competitive world than athletics is occupied by those whose job it is to fill the seats in college classrooms. Serving students is a noble pursuit. But even at a church-affiliated college in small-town Iowa, the bottom line is the bottom line. An individualized
strength and conditioning program is invaluable for more reasons than just bigger-faster-stronger. Anderson’s position gives Central’s athletics program a real edge in the ever-escalating recruiting battles the college admission staff wages. The outcome of those battles can determine the state of the institutional budget in the year ahead.

So, while a dynamic athletics program does serve as a major pillar in maintaining the mind-body-spirit balance the college seeks to imbue upon its student body, it’s also given Central an elusive marketing niche, something sought by hundreds of liberal arts colleges adrift in what prospective students view as a sea of sameness. For today’s marketing-saturated high school seniors, athletics can give them a reason to choose Central over small college B or public university C. Central’s enrollment is near an all-time high and few would argue that would be possible without the college’s athletics tradition.

Roughly half of Central’s students are involved in the intercollegiate athletics program during their four years. While competing for a nationally competitive football, volleyball or softball program may not be the reason they choose Central, for some it is. And for others, it is undeniably a contributing factor. A significant percentage of those students rank with the school’s best and brightest.

“There’s no question that athletics is a key component of our enrollment success,” said Carol Williamson, dean of admission. “Our athletics program attracts a high number of students and a high level of student.”

Yet it’s not simply Central’s bulging Kuyper Gym trophy case that attracts them.

“Recruiting is hard work,” Williamson said. “If you look at the number of contacts our coaches have with prospective students and the number of hours they put in, that’s obviously a factor in our success.

“But more importantly, it’s the level of integrity our coaches have. Athletes look at Central because our winning tradition is so strong, but what gets them in the door is our strong values structure. Our coaches really believe in the Division III philosophy. They believe that students’ academic success is as important as their athletic success. That’s huge with parents as well. Integrity is what seals the deal.”

It’s a team effort. The relationships between institutional admission and athletics departments nationwide are often contentious. Williamson was pleasantly surprised by what she found when she joined Central’s staff.

“I’ve never worked with an athletics staff where I’ve had more support and positive interaction,” Williamson said. “That’s unique. Admission and athletics are usually butting heads at other schools. The admission office is made the fall guy for not having good teams because they’re not letting their recruits into school with lower grades, or they’re supposedly not helping them get the best athletes. We just don’t hear that here.”

In their tireless quest for top students, Central’s coaches provide the same kind of individualized attention Anderson and the faculty do.

“Coaches like Kevin Sanger [men’s and women’s track and field coach] build relationships with recruits,” Williamson said. “And it’s very real. Students respond to that.”

It’s the same kind of relationships that fuel Anderson’s 6 a.m. enthusiasm. Helping students realize dreams is his reward, whether those dreams involve the star athlete visualizing the winning shot, or the insecure freshman simply longing for a chance to someday slip on a Central uniform.

“ You see when they come in here, they’ve got a passion for their sport and a vision of what they want to accomplish,” Anderson said. “Seeing them succeed, that’s the most rewarding thing. I love watching them compete.”

Whether it’s in a kinesiology exam or a league championship tennis match, that’s the Central magic.

Do the math — Critics say athletes are students in name only, but Central athletes are putting up big numbers

Jami Wheelock ’05, a four-year defender on Central’s women’s soccer team, pushes herself to make the grade.

A first-team all-conference selection and team captain, Wheelock carries a 3.92 grade point average.

“The year before I was a freshman at Central, the women’s soccer team had the highest team GPA of any team in Division III,” said Wheelock, a history and international studies major. “I recognize that is a huge honor and have always tried to live up to those standards in the classroom.”

Central student-athletes compiled a 3.05 GPA during the 2003-04 academic year. They’ve received academic all-America honors 39 times, won 15 NCAA postgraduate scholarships, and typically rank near the top in academic all-conference citations.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Ed Willis, professor of psychology and faculty representative to the Iowa Conference and NCAA. “Over the years, some of my brightest students have been very strong athletes.”

A social science major aiming for graduate school, Iowa Conference volleyball MVP and academic all- American Jamie Stark ’05 has learned to juggle practice and study time.

“My teammates tease me for reading in the van on the way to tournaments,” she laughs.

Stark is not alone. Remarkably, 11 varsity volleyball players on Central’s league champion team carry a GPA above 3.50. Named to the AVCA Academic Team Honor Roll four consecutive years, the Dutch have an overall team GPA of 3.73.

“It’s their nature to work hard and pursue excellence,” said coach Kent Clayberg ’90. “They don’t characterize themselves as just volleyball players. These women are involved in A Cappella Choir, InterVarsity and study abroad programs. The Division III philosophy
emphasizes the whole person, and that’s what they’re living.”

That philosophy places the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience while maintaining athletics as part of that experience. Retired Central President Ken Weller (1969-90), who held numerous positions within the NCAA, played a key role in the creation of the Division III philosophy, emphasizing serving the needs of participants, rather than spectators. It reflects what he and many others felt represented the best in athletics.

“The college is still recognized widely as an excellent example of what Division III athletics are all about,” said Weller. “Not only is Central well-known for success in particular sports, but also for the underlying philosophy it represents.”

“Student-athlete” is an overused and often abused term, yet Central President David Roe continues to see the concept as an ideal to be pursued.

“Participation in athletics teaches us to take good care of our overall health, something all people should do,” said Roe, who also serves as kicking coach for the football team. “Additionally, competition teaches us many lessons, such as the importance of preparation, focus, effort, persistence, teamwork, and being emotional, while retaining emotional control.”

Senior quarterback Mark Isaacson ’05 served as a team leader on and off the field. An all-conference pick, Isaacson was a team captain. As a chemistry major, he carries a 3.84 GPA and plans to attend medical school.

“Though it was stressful at times, I think the routine of practice, dinner and then homework helped me maintain a schedule and get all of my schoolwork done,” said Isaacson. “All the coaches stressed the importance of academics as the number one priority.”

Wheelock said the Division III concept has enhanced her Central experience. She wrapped up her time on campus in December, and is studying abroad in Carmarthen, Wales, for a second time, playing soccer on the Trinity College women’s team in Carmarthen while considering attending graduate school in the United Kingdom.

“Central has had such an impact on me as a whole person,” said Wheelock. “I could say I am a completely different person than I was even two years ago. The experiences I have had, and the manner in which I have adapted to the different situations I have been placed in, have only changed me for the better.”

May your glory never die — Central athletics philosophy, success lures many coaching grads to return

There’s perhaps no higher testimony to the quality of the Central athletics experience than the fact that the Dutch coaching staff includes 30 alumni who have chosen to return to the programs they love.

“Very few schools boast as many alumni on the coaching staff as Central does,” said head football coach Jeff McMartin ’90. “I think it speaks volumes about the loyalty that Central football builds and the family aspect of our program. To continue to help build that tradition and give back to the program is special.”

McMartin is among 10 Central grads on the 12-man football staff and is one of just two head football coaches in the Iowa Conference serving at his alma mater.

A former graduate assistant at Division I Wake Forest University, McMartin was an assistant coach at four Division III schools but found none that compared to Central.

“Pella is a town I always wanted to live in, and Central was always a place I wanted to come back to,” said McMartin. “So it was a delightful opportunity to come back, and I was excited to give back to the program that gave me so much.”

Central coaches say Dutch teams foster a passion they don’t find at other schools.

“The minute I left Central, I knew I wanted to come back someday and help in some way,” said McMartin.

While at Central, McMartin served as a student coach under the legendary Ron Schipper for two seasons after a career-ending injury.

“As players, we see the time and effort the coaches put into the program to make it what it is, and we want to be a part of that as well,” he said.

“Being an alum, I have a special bond with Central,” said Reid Evans ’01, assistant football coach. “I had such a good experience at Central as a player and a student. I want to help others have that same kind of positive experience.”

Second-year head baseball coach Adam Stevens is a Morningside College graduate, but sees why coaches want to return to Central.

“The people make Central what it is,” he said. “It has such a great atmosphere to work in, and I think as students, they see that and want to be a part of it.

“It’s pretty unusual for a college to have so many alums working and coaching,” Stevens said. “I think it says a lot about Central if young coaches want to come back. They know what it’s like here, and they
can help relate to the student-athletes.”

“I loved playing here and wanted to be able to be around the program and the tradition,” said softball assistant Denise Barnard ’02. “It’s a continuous cycle of why Central’s such a great place to coach. Because of the people, the programs have a strong tradition,
and it’s because of that tradition you want to come back. We [former players] understand what it’s about, and we want to uphold those traditions that were around when we played.”

All four of Central’s softball coaches are alumni. George Wares ’76 has headed the Central softball program for 20 seasons and coached his current assistants Barnard, Teresa Van Zee Thompson ’96 and Shannon Merkle ’95.

“Why would I not want to be a coach for the best softball program in the country?” Merkle said.

The Dutch have won four NCAA Division III softball championships and Thompson said the alumni connection is a big factor.

“Part of the reason we have such a strong softball program is that several of our assistant coaches over the years have been alums,” Thompson said. “Knowing the ins and outs of the program and its strengths really show when you step out on the field.”

Dutch teams coached by Central graduates have won five national titles and some 50 Iowa Conference championships.

“The sport is the sport no matter where you go,” said head volleyball coach Kent Clayberg ’90. “But, there’s just a good perspective and a good purpose of what we are doing here at Central.”

“There’s an opportunity to grow at Central, as a student, as a coach and as a person,” said Evans. “I just love Central College.”

Central College’s nationally prominent athletics program relies on a wide range of highly skilled and dedicated professionals. Countless individuals enjoy a Central victory with a little deeper sense of pride knowing they contributed to that triumph. Among those individuals, Central’s athletic training students have a unique opportunity to blend an educational experience with their passion for athletics in the newly accredited athletic training education program.

Five years ago, with a very simple statement, the athletic training education program at Central College was directed toward its most ambitious goal. I was full of emotions that day as President David
Roe proclaimed, “Central College will vigorously pursue Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accreditation.”

I was extremely proud that the program started in 1986 was given the mandate to seek the ultimate academic recognition for an athletic training education program. I also was overwhelmed. In retrospect, even my perceptions of the task at hand were limited. In 1999, a
small group of professionals dedicated a significant portion of their lives to a process that culminated Sept. 10, 2004, when Central gained accreditation. Few comprehend what a monumental accomplishment CAAHEP accreditation is for the athletic training education program.

Athletic training at Central has always existed in a tenuous environment balanced between the academic program and the athletics department. This duality is critical and necessary for the successful functioning of both programs. Neither would have attained national recognition without the other.

After spending seven years in schools with NCAA Division I athletic programs, I quickly became enamored by big-time athletics. Traveling around the country to some of the most famous locales in college sports was exciting. Big names, free shoes and gear, and huge budgets convinced me this was for me. However, in the fall of 1986, two legends in NCAA Division III athletics, Central President
Ken Weller and athletics director Ron Schipper, changed my thinking.

In the 72 hours that passed between finding out about the position at Central College and saying goodbye to my life in Decorah, Iowa, I discovered the joys of Division III. I began to recognize the value of an experience possible only when there is a healthy balance between the challenges of academics and athletics in a liberal arts environment.

Athletic training at Central began as a small component of the physical education major. A few classes were added so students who were helping the athletes could do so more efficiently. Within four years, a Central graduate became a certified athletic trainer. Sweeping curriculum changes to the physical education program in the early 1990s resulted in an exercise science major with a common set of core courses and three specific areas of emphasis, including athletic training. This forward-thinking approach prepared students for graduate school opportunities in physical therapy, occupational therapy and medical school, athletic training and other allied health fields.

However, major educational reforms also were taking place at the national level within the National Athletic Trainers Association Educational Council. New academic standards adopted Jan. 1, 2004, required all athletic training graduates seeking certification to complete CAAHEP-accredited programs.

Five years later, in our CAAHEPaccredited program, a student who successfully completes one of the most rigorous majors on campus, is eligible to sit for the certification exam with the Central degree.

CAAHEP recognition places Central among the best athletic training education programs in the country.

The work, however, is not done. Newly mandated CAAHEP standards and guidelines must be implemented into accredited programs by 2007. These will require extensive modifications within the program.
As our athletic training students like to say, there is no off-season in athletic training.

I continue to be excited about opportunities Central offers. I cannot think of a more vibrant environment in which to work. We are presented new challenges that can only be met by professionals and
students striving to be their best, while balancing the unique demands of two very different worlds.

Learning comes when least expected

by Rick Burns

When our women’s soccer team lost a 1-0 match to Luther College this fall, it not only wasn’t a victory, it also wasn’t even a moral victory. No white-washed version– just a loss. The best loss you could ever have.

Central has never beaten Luther in women’s soccer. We lost 6-0 last year. And now, in my first year at Central, comparative scores, records and rankings signaled to me a mismatch. I told the players our only hope was to defend well and somehow get a goal on a counterattack, or maybe hold for 110 minutes for a 0-0 draw. The premise was: They are clearly more talented, but if we follow this match plan, we have a chance. They bought into it.

Indeed, the Norse were more skillful, more athletic – and there were more of them. A flashy squad of 25 or so marched out crisply in pairs as our scruffy 14 shuffled out on a cold, windy day in Decorah. Our players defended tenaciously. They challenged for 50-50 balls, cleared the ball under pressure, showed patience in defense and got in some aggressive tackles, while urging each other on. Despite incessant pressure with the ball in our defensive half of the field 90 percent of the time, Luther didn’t have many quality chances. We made it to halftime unscathed at 0-0.

At the interval, surprisingly, the players were subdued. As one, they locked their eyes on me as I spoke. I made a few adjustments, but mostly I asked them to just stay the course. This would be a day
in which effort and desire, not tactics, would separate the teams.

We held for 27 more minutes in the second half until Luther was justly awarded a penalty kick. Luther’s all-American forward, held in check by our determined freshman defender the whole match, converted. I said to my assistant coach, “This is it; the dam will burst now.” I lacked faith.

But the Dutch continued their spirited play. They were resolute, quiet, willful. Luther had only one more quality chance the rest of the match. It ended 1-0.

Our players learned effort alone, in spite of all the inspirational clichés, doesn’t always give you the desired outcome. But more importantly, they learned there is intrinsic satisfaction and great honor in that effort.

After the postgame handshakes, a wonderful thing happened. Our team gathered spontaneously near midfield, circled and held hands. No one said anything for a while. The players’ expressions ranged
from satisfied smiles to beaming grins. They were pleased with themselves. They were experiencing the joy of belonging to a caring community. I blubbered out how proud I was of them. But at this moment, words couldn’t improve on silence.

I didn’t want to lose what I was feeling at that moment. One of my players looked at me and said, “Coach, you look fatherly.” These were my good and faithful players and I was well-pleased. I found myself after 23 years as a head college coach, finishing my sixth decade, wondering if God would give me a pass so I could come down and see where these wonderful young women would be in 30 or 40 years.

I took more satisfaction from this loss than any of our eight wins this season. We had trained hard, prepared well, given everything we could give, got the most out of what we had and played with passion
and joy. These are the things that matter to me most.

In this society that glorifies only winners, we had found satisfaction and peace in the struggle. Who can know which touch will be the significant touch in your students’ lives? Maybe when they are old and memories become their treasures this experience will lift them. This much I know: For my players, on this day, a valuable experience had popped up in an unexpected place.

Please direct questions or comments regarding editorial content of the Central Bulletin to Abby Gonzales, News & Marketing Writer.
Phone: 641.628.5157 | Email: gonzalesa@central.edu

For alumni-related issues, please contact Sunny Eighmy, Director of Alumni Relations.
Phone: 641.628.5280 | Email: alumni@central.edu