Derek Rose graduated in 1994, and played varsity football for three years. He also captained the 1993 team and was named to the 1993 DuPage Valley All-Conference Team. Rose went on to play football at the University of Iowa, where he started for three years, earned the title of Coaches and Media All-Big Ten Second Team Offensive Lineman in 1997 and earned an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 1998. In 1998, he was a team captain and received the Roy G. Carver MVP Award.
Q: How do you feel about being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame?
A: It’s really an honor, especially when you’re on the stage and humbled by all the others that are here in this particular ceremony. But in many years past, there were incredible athletes, certainly, as mentioned, Candace Parker and so many others that have gone on to do great things. So it’s special for that reason, and also bringing back great memories of time here.
Q: What lessons have you learned since graduating Central that would be helpful to students today?
A: A couple of lessons I’ve learned is that there’s a lot you can do in life if you give yourself the patience and the courage to try challenging things, whether it’s sports or academics or any other pursuit in life. So much of it comes down to behaviors and essentially doing the right things, day in, day out, and over time. If you look back, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish. So I think that would be a kind of a life lesson I would pass on that’s been driven home to me in whatever pursuit, whether it was university sports, but also in life and work thereafter.
Q: What was the highlight of your experience at Central or what are you most proud of?
A: I’d say probably most proud of the accomplishments we had as a football team, so going to the 1993 state quarterfinals, we didn’t get all the way, but nonetheless, our team really came together.
Q: What message or advice do you have for our current students?
A: I think the students have so much to be proud of. It’s a beautiful school, amazing facilities, and really the best and the brightest of many schools across the nation. This is a talented community. So I hope the students appreciate their time here together.
Q: How does it feel to be back, nostalgia-wise?
A: It feels like yesterday that I was walking these halls, even though it’s been over 30 years now, which is hard to say, but so nice to see some of the teachers that are still here. And of course, Coach Dylan coming back, and seeing Tom Paulsen, who was my principal when I was here. And then, of course, some of the students that are happy and excited to be here. It’s just fun to see that vibrancy.
For more on the 2025 inductees, click here.
