Wisconsin Rapids (OnFocus) – Assumption Senior Ben Elsen has been an integral part of the Royals’ Football Team and when he went down this year with a knee injury, that didn’t stop Elsen from continuing to work hard and help his teammates.
“Ben had a season ending ACL tear injury in our second game vs Almond-Bancroft and had a successful surgery to repair it the following Tuesday. Ben was our starting center and middle linebacker and was on every special teams…never coming off of the field. He was also one of our captains and always brought a lot of energy to practice and the games,” said Assumption Head Football Coach Jeff Sullivan.
“I often talk to our players about playing each game and playing each play like it’s your last play with leaving everything you have on the field and having no regrets. Ben is the epitome of this…” – Assumption Head Football Coach Jeff Sullivan
“It has been fun coaching Ben over the past 4 years and it makes me proud of how he has grown as a man over the past 4 years. From “2 cent Benny” to where he is now, I could not be more proud of him,” Sullivan added.
Sullivan then went on to share how much it has meant to have Elsen as a Royal, and his impact on younger players.
“I often talk to our players about playing each game and playing each play like it’s your last play with leaving everything you have on the field and having no regrets. Ben is the epitome of this and lived this before we carried him off the field that night. He loves the game and gave everything he had to the game so his team and teammates could succeed. Everyone needs a Benny on their team!”
We take an in-depth look at Elsen with the often imitated, and world famous interview, ‘Pancakes or Waffles?’
OnFocus: What classes are you taking this year?
Elsen: Apologetics, Choir, Intro to trades, Intro to engineering, Physical education, Pre- Calculus, English, Study hall
OnFocus: What is your favorite class?
Elsen: Intro to Trades.
OnFocus: What do you enjoy most about home games?
Ben Elsen: The National Anthem
OnFocus: What are your hobbies?
Elsen: I enjoy hunting, fishing, and playing video games.
OnFocus: Who is/was your favorite teacher?
Elsen: Mr. Renner.
OnFocus: What is the most unusual food you have eaten?
Elsen: Cow tongue.
OnFocus: What is your favorite music to listen to?
Elsen: I like country and rap.
OnFocus: What are your plans after high school?
Elsen: Join the United States Navy.
OnFocus: If they made a movie about you, and your life, what would it be called?
Elsen: Lil Benny.
OnFocus: What other sports do you play?
Elsen: Football, wrestling, baseball.
OnFocus: Which teammate would you not want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
Elsen: Alec Sullivan.
OnFocus: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete?
Elsen: The Elsen trio all taking first at regionals my sophomore year.
OnFocus: Who is your favorite athlete?
Elsen: Lawrence Taylor.
OnFocus: What do you enjoy most about playing home games?
Elsen: National Anthem, NBSP.
OnFocus: What’s the best thing about being a student-athlete at Assumption?
Elsen: The whole school and alumni coming together to cheer us on.
OnFocus: What words of wisdom can you give to other student-athletes?
Elsen: Appreciate every second you get to play it goes by fast and you’ll never know when it could be over.
OnFocus: Lastly, pancakes or waffles?
Elsen: Waffles all day.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
