Name: Ben Thornton
School: La Crosse Central High School
Grade: Senior
Football Honors: Earned first-team all-league honors in the Mississippi Valley Conference at running back as a junior when he rushed for 420 yards and two touchdowns on 39 carries ... Received second-team laurels at running back as a senior when he rushed for 488 yards and seven touchdowns on 54 carries ... A 5-foot-9, 155-pound running back and defensive back for the Red Raiders ... Earned first-team all-La Crosse Tribune honors as a punter.
Wrestling Honors: A four-time WIAA Division 1 state finalist and two time state champion ... Earned first-team all-conference hnors four teams and was chosen as the MVP of the Mississippi Valley Conference four times ... A four-time Academic All-State selection and three-time first-team all-state pick.
Baseball Honors: A three-year starter for the Red Raiders in the infield ... Received first-team all-league honors and first-team all-district laurels as a junior ... Also a first-team Academic All-State pick.
Favorite Sport: "Wrestling because it is the toughest sport both physically and mentally."
Best Part of High School Sports: "Being able to enjoy the sport itself that I am participating in, and having the ability to spend time with my teammates."
Best Advice from a High School Coach: “Flip that switch!”
Most Memorable Moment in High School Sports: "Winning my second state title my senior year."
Best Part of Playing Three Sports: "I never get bored with a sport. Once the season starts for any sport, I am beyond excited and motivated to begin the season."
Toughest Part of Playing Three Sports: "The toughest part would be making time for social activities, but just like any decision, there are consequences."
Favorite Opponent: JJ McClelland of Viroqua in wrestling.
Favorite Professional Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers
Favorite Professional Athlete: Albert Pujols
Favorite College Teams: Purdue Boilermakers/ Wisconsin Badgers
Cumulative GPA: 4.0
Toughest Individual You’ve Competed Against: Jens Lantz of Ellsworth in wresting.
Most Admired High School Teammate: Alex Hayden
College Plans: "Wrestle at Purdue University and pursue my academics in the medical field."
Activities Outside of Sports: National Honor Society, DECA, La Crosse Central Letterman’s Club, and Champions
I Find it Relaxing to: "Play Pokemon on my tablet."
Favorite TV show: Teen Wolf
Favorite Movie: Too many to pick one
Favorite Musical Artists: Eminem
Favorite Subject: Science- Biology
Favorite Restaurant: Famous Dave's
Other Family Members: Amy, mother; Mike, father; Cal, brother; Jeter, dog.
Tag(s): Triple Threat AOTW News News Archive News