Athlete Profile: Ben Carroll

SHAWANO — The Shawano Community High School wrestling team came into the winter season with aspirations to win another Bay Conference title. It could set that lefty goal because of the wrestlers returning from last year’s team that won conference, with senior Ben Carroll among the headliners of the group.

Carroll already has a number of strong finishes under his belt this season and is closing in on 100 career wins on the mat.

At the Omro Invitational last Saturday, Carroll posted a perfect record on his way to winning the 152-pound weight class. Back on Dec. 27-28, Carroll posted a 6-1 record at a tough Northern Exposure Tournament.

Carroll suffered only one setback at the Shawano Holiday Classic on Dec. 21, a tournament he placed third in. The senior placed first at the Brillion Invitational on Dec. 14 to help Shawano take second as a team.

“Ben Carroll is a fantastic athlete for our team,” said Shawano coach Mike Homan. “Ben has been anchoring down the middle of our lineup for two years and does whatever he needs to, to win. His ability to scramble, score points and open up matches offensively is some of the best we have seen. He means a great deal to our team and is a clear leader in the wrestling room.”

Q: When did your interest in wrestling begin?

A: When I was six years old, I first started wrestling. I really enjoy wrestling because my dad (Dave) use to wrestle and he taught me everything about wrestling as a kid. Wrestling has always been my favorite sport.

Q: What is your favorite part about the wrestling season?

A: My favorite part about the wrestling season is the home duels we have. There’s nothing like winning in front of the crowd. I always wrestle my best matches when I can hear the crowd cheering.

Q: Wrestling is a sport in which you really need to take care of your body, trying to both stay under a certain weight while also recovering and resting up. What is your weekly routine like?

A: As the season progresses, maintaining weight gets easier. My big thing is I try to stay away from soda and fast food.

Q: Do you have any individual goals you’d like to accomplish in your final season?

A: My first goal is that I want to hit 100 wins, I’m at 95 right now (as of Wednesday). My second goal is that I want to go to state.

Q: As one of the seniors on your team, how do you try and help lead some of your younger teammates?

A: I try to always help my teammates keep a positive attitude. I know how hard it can be when you’re having a rough day on the mat so I always try to keep my team staying positive.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Shawano wrestling team?

A: My favorite memory was last year when we won against Xavier and won our first conference team title. That was truly the best feeling in the world to be part of the first team to win the conference.

Q: What are you going to miss most about high school wrestling?

A: I’m gonna miss my team the most, we’re like a family, everyone has each other’s back. I will also dearly miss Jordan Kust (Shawano assistant wrestling coach) — he taught me everything I know.

Q: Favorite TV shows, movies, and musical artists?

A: Favorite TV show — “Friends.” Favorite movie — “Super Troopers.” Favorite musical artist — Dierks Bentley.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I’m the only person in my family with red hair.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in school or competing in a high school sport?

A: Hanging with the boys is my favorite thing. Hanging with the boys always make me feel better.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: You’ll always get in less trouble if you tell the truth first. Lying just isn’t worth it.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating from high school?

A: Go to college and get a degree in business from UW-Stevens Point.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Ben Carroll

Sport: Wrestling

School: Shawano Community High School

Year: Senior