On Friday, more than 600 Triton graduates clad in blue caps and gowns sat before the coach to get his input on things more important than scoring a touchdown.

Twait, the keynote speaker at Friday’s two commencement ceremonies, gave the Class of 2025 some advice for being a winner at the game of life.

“Do the best you can with what you’ve got where you’re at right now,” he said.

He also told them that holding on to the things that are important to them isn’t enough. He said they need to squeeze those things — their family, their friends, their faith — the way a running back squeezes a football so that a tackler doesn’t knock it loose.

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The coach pulled a football from a shelf on the speaker’s podium and demonstrated the right way to squeeze it. Then he yelled “Don’t fumble” as the graduates and others in attendance at the ceremony cheered and applauded.

Iowa Central held two commencement exercises Friday in Hodges Fieldhouse — one at 10 a.m. and one at 2 p.m.

Courtney Kopp. the college’s registrar, reported that a total of 607 graduates received their diplomas, certificates and degrees during the two ceremonies. She said that is the largest number of students to ever participate in the college’s commencement ceremonies.

The diplomas, certificates and degrees were not the only things awarded during the commencement exercises.The Golden Triton Award was presented to one faculty member and one staff member. The award recipients are nominated by Iowa Central students for excellent service to the students.

This year’s faculty recipient was Amber Elbert, instructor of dental hygiene.

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Amanda Shore, of Johnston, left, fixes Fort Dodger Nicole Miller's cap after receiving their diplomas after Iowa Central commencement ceremony on Friday in Fort Dodge.

The staff recipient was Stephanie Sibenaller, assistant coach of the dance team.

Patricia Westfall, the Student Senate president, challenged her fellow graduates to reflect on how they have grown, changed and become a better person during their days at Iowa Central.

She added that it is often the quiet moments in life that help a person grow.

There are times, she said, when everyone must “stop, slow down, breathe and reflect.”

“Consider being the person who takes in the small moments,” Westfall said.

-Messenger photo by Britt KudlaJonste Saimon, of Micronesia, tosses a lei after receiving his diploma after Iowa Central commencement ceremony on Friday in Fort Dodge.

The other student speaker, Shelvee Keller, a member of the All-Iowa Academic Team, said the Class of 2025 has encountered multiple challenges and has “overcome them masterfully.”

“Remember all you have done and achieved,” she said. “Your future is yours.”

Friday’s ceremonies began in a traditional way, with graduates walking into the fieldhouse while the college’s concert band played “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The Iowa Central Vocal Jazz Ensemble sang the national anthem and two other songs.

One by one, the graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, certificates and degrees as Tom Beneke, the college’s vice president of student services, recited their names.

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Iowa Central graduate Patricia Westall gives the student address during Iowa Central commencement ceremony on Friday in Fort Dodge.

A video at the end of the ceremony showed highlights of the 2024-2025 academic year.

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Iowa Central Athletic Director Kevin Twait gives the commencement address during Iowa Central Commencement ceremony on Friday in Fort Dodge.

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Amaya Terrell, of Maquoketa, tosses a stack of money into the air after receiving her diploma during Iowa Central’s commencement ceremony on Friday .

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Jaden Soumetho, of Storm Lake, tosses his hat in the air after he receive his diploma after the Iowa Central commencement ceremony on Friday in Fort Dodge.

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Iowa Central Community College celebrated graduation Friday.