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Athlete Awards

Central Close-Up

Ben Turnley

Ben Turnley

  • Award
    Central Close-Up
  • Week Of
    4/2/2020
  • Sport
    Men's Tennis
  • Bio
    View Full Bio
Class of 2020
Manhattan, Kan.


Why did you choose Central?


When I first visited Central everything about it felt like a good fit for me. The people, campus, study abroad opportunities, and Pella all impressed me. Additionally, Central provided me with the opportunity to play two sports.


Favorite professor and why?

I have enjoyed all of my professors, especially those in the biology department. I have worked most extensively with Dr. Mena. One thing that makes her such a great professor is that she cares about her students’ success outside of just the classroom.


You’re majoring in biology and environmental science because?

I have always been fascinated by the natural world. These majors allow me to better understand the relationship between organisms and their ecosystems.
 

Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?

Other than athletics I am involved in intramurals, hockey club, a variety of sustainability groups. I also work at Geisler Library.
 

Who are your go-to musical artists?

I am not picky at all when it comes to music. I listen to a decent amount of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, AJR, and Jon Bellion.
 

What are you summer plans for 2020?

My goal is to enjoy myself this summer before starting grad school. I am hoping to do a lot of traveling.
 

If you could bring one fictional character to life, who would it be and why?

I would like to bring Michael Scott to life and have him teach a business management course at Central.
 

What is your favorite Central College tradition?

Breakfast of Champions
 

Favorite celebrity when you were a kid?

My favorite celebrity was Steve Irwin. I even dressed up as him for Halloween once when I was a kid.
 

Why did you chose to play two sports at Central?

Soccer and tennis have always been a part of my life. I am thankful that the coaches at Central are flexible and allow me to play both. Each program offers unique experiences, and I have had an amazing time being a part of both teams.
 
 
Favorite TV Show

Some of my favorites are Game of Thrones, The Office, and Brooklyn 99.
 

What’s it like to play for Coach Ferrell?

Coach Ferrell makes tennis so enjoyable. He always has a lot of energy and is always cracking jokes. Coach Ferrell cares about all of his athletes. He has always shown great support for us on and off of the court. Also, shout-out to Coach Trevor! This is his first year as an assistant coach, but he has already had a huge impact on the team.
 

What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central tennis?

My teammates. We all get along great, and it’s such an awesome experience to play tennis alongside them.
 

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

In 10 years I should have completed grad school. I hope to teach at a university and research bee ecology.
 

Favorite food from Central Market

Cooked-to-order quesadillas and fruit pizza.
 

Bucket list

-Visit all 50 states
-Visit every National Park
-Go to a World Cup match
-Discover a new bee species


Athlete Awards
Date Athlete Sport
7/22/2021 Krissa Larson Volleyball
7/15/2021 Rayanne Dally Women's Cross Country
7/8/2021 Reid Taylor Football
7/1/2021 Sydney Canney Women's Soccer
6/24/2021 Caleb Evans Baseball
6/10/2021 Nick Thompson Men's Track and Field
6/3/2021 Whitney Anderson Women's Golf
5/27/2021 Daria Parchert Softball
5/20/2021 Chris Hensley Baseball
5/13/2021 Theo Baldus Men's Track and Field
5/6/2021 Trevor Mabeus Men's Golf
4/29/2021 Alex Griggs Women's Triathlon
4/22/2021 Joe Roberts Men's Tennis
4/15/2021 Kaysey Bos Women's Tennis
4/8/2021 Nathan Schwanke Baseball
4/1/2021 Gillian Streit Women's Track and Field
3/25/2021 Paige Roehlk Softball
3/18/2021 David Boschma Men's Tennis
3/11/2021 Lucas Wendel Men's Golf
3/4/2021 Katie Banowetz Softball
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