'Positivity And Perseverance': MN Star Student Athlete

MINNESOTA — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Sarah, who nominated her son, Ben.

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Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them as a Patch Star Student Athlete

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Star student athlete’s name

Ben.

Star student athlete’s home state

Minnesota.

How do you know the star student athlete?

My son.

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Basketball.

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Ben began playing basketball in 8th grade. At the start of the first season he suffered a dislocated knee during a tournament that required surgery. He completed his PT and aimed to be healthy enough to play in his freshman year of high school.

During tryouts he dislocated his knee again and was out for the season.

But basketball was his passion. He wanted to stay involved. So he asked to be the manager.

Ben was in a long restorative brace and on crutches but he never missed an early morning practice or a game.

As a result of Ben’s injuries, it was discovered through numerous tests that he had a birth defect called patella Alta. The doctors recommended he not play sports and was at high risk for further injuries. After the shock wore off Ben decided he wanted to see an orthopedic specialist.

After numerous tests and consultations with different specialists we decided to go ahead with a surgical procedure called Tibia Osteotomy. Having these 2 operations was the only way Ben would be able to play any type of sport and lead a healthy lifestyle.

The surgeries were 4 months apart during his sophomore year. In total he was on crutches and in a restrictive brace for most of the year.

All in Ben spent at least 15 months on crutches and braces. Ben completed intensive PT and still went to the basketball games to stay involved.

A year later, Ben was cleared to play sports. A few days later he was playing catch outside with his cousins and fractured his leg. He was back in the ER again.

After a few months we learned he would need another surgery due to a bone that did not completely heal. Ben did intensive PT and worked with different outside resources to try to get his strength and endurance back. He was not giving up! Junior year came along and Ben was the first one to practice every morning for tryouts. He was even helping with the younger kids who were at tryouts. Ben was a leader and a positive role model.

Not only for his teammates but for the younger teams. He was always the one to give people encouragement and encourage perseverance. Despite Ben’s hard work to become healthy enough to play he did not make the basketball team junior or senior year. This took a huge toll on his mental health which he recognized and asked for help.

I am proud of Ben for how he handled these obstacles and challenges. It was a challenging 3 years but Ben showed so much positivity and perseverance.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

Ben was tremendous courage, perseverance and positivity! He is compassionate and stands up for others. He looks out for people and includes people that may feel excluded. He is a positive role model. He doesn’t give up in the face of adversity.

Keep up the great work, Ben!

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Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them as a Patch Star Student Athlete