No Wright City athlete juggles more sports obligations than Ben Randolph. The incoming senior competes on five different teams throughout the course of the year. But his favorite sport isn’t even …
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Athlete of the Month — Ben Randolph
Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
No Wright City athlete juggles more sports obligations than Ben Randolph.The incoming senior competes on five different teams throughout the course of the year. But his favorite sport isn’t even offered by his high school.Randolph has been the starting kicker for the varsity football team since his freshman year. He has also played basketball and run track for three seasons.This past fall he was a pivotal part of the Wildcats’ cross country team which advanced to state. Randolph finished 59th, running an 18:32 during a memorable experience.But his passion remains on the soccer field, where he plays forward and outside midfielder.Randolph currently competes for the Missouri Rush and was previously a member of the Avalon Soccer Club. He has played soccer since kindergarten, participating on the select circuit since third grade.This spring he was the only member of the Wright City track team to reach the Class 3 sectionals. Randolph qualified for the 800-meter race, setting a new personal best at 2:02.72.With one more year left, he is swiftly closing in on Larry Paul’s record.When not practicing or competing, Randolph can often be found working at Dairy Queen in Wentzville.This summer he is planning on playing soccer and spending coveted time with friends.In the long term, Randolph is considering a career in the medical field.Q: What was it like being the school’s last track competitor standing?“I was really glad to move on, but it was hard going to practice every day by myself. As the only one representing our school, I knew I had to do well.”Q: How would you describe your colorful group of cross country teammates?“We have a lot of different personalities on the team. We’re a funny group of guys that are pretty close. When it actually comes down to competing though, it gets pretty serious.Q: What was an embarrassing moment from freshmen year?“I was like five foot, 100 pounds trying to kick a field goal at halftime. It was embarrassing.”Q: What was the trip to state like with the cross country team?“We were all excited about the experience. We got to do a lot of things that weren’t related to the meet, and it was almost like a mini-vacation.”Q: What were your expectations when you began running cross country as a sophomore?“I didn’t practice because I did football everyday. I was pretty confident I could make it this year, but I didn’t expect us to make it as a team.”Q: What was your favorite sports moment from your junior year?“Going to state in cross country and qualifying for sectionals.”Q: What would it mean to you for the school to have a soccer program?“I think it’d be great. I think we’d have a lot people who would play. I’ve always wanted to know how I’d compare to others at the high school level.”Q: How has not having school soccer affected your college search?“A lot of college coaches ask about my high school accomplishments. It’s unfortunate that I have to put that I don’t have any high school accolades. Then, I have to reassure them that I’m capable of competing at a high level.”Q: What’s like competing in five different sports throughout the year?“It’s really difficult, especially with soccer not being associated with the school. I have to decide a lot of times between sports. Along with work, there’s no time for social activities.”Q: Tell us about your success on the soccer field.“This year we’ve done really well, going to a lot of out of state tournaments. We won two tournaments and always finish in the Top 3.”Q: How have you embraced your role as the kicker on the football team?“My freshman year was pretty fun because I was always on the field since we scored a lot. As my high school career has gone on, I think what I’ve done has been more crucial. There’s been games where I’ve been the second-highest scorer in the game from kicking field goals and extra points.”Q: What are your goals for your senior year?“I want to try to place in state for cross country and go to state for track. Academically, I want to maintain a good GPA and balance everything I have.”Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?“My dad, because of all the things he’s had to do to provide for our family. He’s always made time to go to my games."Q: If you could change one thing about WCHS, what would it be?“I’d give us a soccer team.”Favorite Food: “Spaghetti.”Favorite Restaurant: “Red Robin.”Favorite TV Show: “The Walking Dead.”Favorite Movie: “21 Jump Street.”Favorite Song: “Burn” by Meek Mill and Big Sean.Favorite Musicians: “Big Sean and Usher.”
Wright City senior Ben Randolph was chosen as the May "Athlete of the Month."
