Skier of the Week: New Mexico Invitational February 20 & 21

Ben in the 21km in Crested Butte

Our skier of the week has had a rough season. He started with great promise with a classic race that was the lowest points in 4 years. From there the wheels came off as he struggled with unknown physical problems that have not allowed him to race fast.

Despite this his indomitable spirit is very much alive!

After being so broken just 3 years ago he couldn't walk Ben has fought back, doing everything he has been asked from rolling multiple times/day to specific training designed to bring him back from disaster.

He has never wavered from his quest to repair his body and become a fast skier.

To this end he has completed races this season that would have broken a lesser man and done the even more difficult job of knowing which races should not be finished. He has trained and rested and raced the entire season without ever really feeling good.

In addition, Ben is working towards his Doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering to added to his substantial race and training schedule Ben is trying to manage extremely hard course work and research.

Somehow manage he does, with flying colors and still come to practice with a smile and a huge hug.

This last weekend, against the odds, Ben managed to pull together one race and not only placed 3rd in the USCSA field but had his best points as a UW Cowboy. He didn't feel good but managed to push through.

As an athlete you are measured not only by how fast you are and how well you place but how you face adversity. Ben has faced this season with determination, courage and a sad smile. The heart he has shown is beyond description and many of his teammates do not even know the physical struggle he's been fighting.

For the heart and soul that Ben puts into everything he does he is skier of the week.

We Love You Ben!