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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
6/9/2022 Harold Dobernecker Men's Golf
6/2/2022 Malory Jones Women's Track and Field
5/26/2022 Lindsey Blommers Women's Triathlon
5/19/2022 Kyle Gabos Men's Golf
5/12/2022 Jared Kampf Baseball
5/5/2022 Emma Johnson Softball
4/28/2022 Ian Boline Baseball
4/21/2022 Lucas Heitz Men's Track and Field
4/14/2022 Matthew Den Adel Men's Tennis
4/7/2022 Cassie Severson Softball
3/31/2022 Marcus Wenzel Baseball
3/24/2022 Alyssa Lewton Women's Tennis
3/17/2022 Layken Bytnar Women's Track and Field
3/10/2022 Rachel Sohn Women's Golf
2/10/2022 Hannah Wright Women's Basketball
1/27/2022 Cali Coffman Women's Track and Field
1/20/2022 Will DeHaan Men's Track and Field
1/13/2022 Sydney Burgardt Women's Track and Field
1/6/2022 Sam Beatty Men's Basketball
12/30/2021 Cooper Stigsell Men's Wrestling
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