CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Hunter Hoffman, a senior student-athlete at Central College, has spent the last few years pursuing his academic and athletic dreams. As an engineering and physics major with a math minor, Hoffman has had to balance a rigorous academic schedule with the demands of being the starting quarterback for the Dutch.
Despite the challenges, Hoffman has found fulfillment in both spheres, and his experiences in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) have played a significant role in shaping his personal growth.
“The A-R-C has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons,” Hoffman said. “It’s heavily emphasized that you are a student first and athlete second at Central, so you have to be able to juggle schoolwork and sports at the same time, which can be difficult. One must be adaptable and persevere during hard times. This will prove valuable once I enter the real world next year.”
Resilience and Leadership
Hoffman’s journey has not been without its share of setbacks and challenges. During his junior year, he suffered a broken thumb, an injury that forced him to sit out and miss valuable game time. For an athlete who had never experienced a major injury before, this was a difficult period.
However, it also provided Hoffman with an opportunity to learn about resilience and leadership.
“It taught me a lot about being resilient and how to still be a leader when I wasn’t out there on the field,” he said.
Support from Coaches and Professors
Throughout his college career, Hoffman has received unwavering support from both his coaches and professors. They have been instrumental in helping him balance his academic and athletic pursuits.
“The professors here at Central do a great job of supporting me throughout my college career,” Hoffman said. “They are always open to meeting with me outside of class and pushing back assignments if we are absent for games.”
One instance that stands out to Hoffman is when he was allowed to study in the film room before a big engineering exam.
“It may seem small, but it was a big help in getting a better grade on the test,” he shared.
Hoffman also acknowledges the support he has received from his teammates and the entire Central campus community. Their support, whether through something as simple as wearing “Hofftober” shirts around campus, has had a profound impact on him.
“That kind of support goes a long way when you’re out there on the field,” he said.
Proud Accomplishments
When reflecting on his proudest accomplishments during his time at Central, Hoffman mentions making the Dean’s honor list for two consecutive semesters. Balancing demanding majors with the responsibilities of being a student-athlete is no easy feat, and Hoffman takes pride in his ability to maintain his grades while playing football.
Looking ahead, he hopes to continue this trend and leave a lasting legacy at Central.
“I want people to remember me as a quarterback who went out there and gave it his all on the field for his teammates,” he said. “While also being remembered as a great student and friend to all that got to know me in my four years here at Central. Someone who challenged himself to be a better player, student, and person each and every day.”
A Message of Perseverance
As Hoffman reflects on his student-athlete journey, he has a message to share with a broader audience.
“One message I would like to share is that things may not always go as you planned, but that doesn’t mean you just give up,” he said. “I promise you if you keep pushing through it will get a lot better and you’ll be thankful for those hard times.”
Hoffman’s journey as a football student-athlete in the A-R-C has been a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the support of a community. As he prepares to graduate and enter the real world, he carries with him the invaluable life lessons he has learned and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Whether on the field, in the classroom, or in life, Hoffman has shown that with determination and a strong support system, anything is possible.
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
