Male Athlete of the Year Candidate Ben Thornton:
Winter 11-12: La Crosse Central Wrestling
WIAA Division 1 106 lb. State Champion, Season record of 49-0; (30 pins)
2x 1st team Academic all- state, 2x WIAA Division 1 State Finalist
2x MVC Conference Wrestler of the Year, 2x 1st Team MVC All-Conference
2x All Coulee Region 1st team
2x Bi-State Tournament Champion, 2x letter winner
Career record of 112-1 (as of 12/26/12)
Spring 11-12: La Crosse Central Baseball
Starting Varsity second base, also started games at shortstop and pitcher as a sophomore
Batting average of .245, pitching record of 2-1 with 1.50 Earned Run Average
Letter winner as sophomore
Summer 11-12: La Crosse Post 52 Legion Baseball
Starting center fielder, also started games at second base and pitcher as a sophomore
Batting average of .385 (35 - 91), pitching record of 2-0 with 5.00 Earned Run Average
Season ending injury in late July (fractured elbow)
Fall 12-13: La Crosse Central Football
Rushing: 28 carries 420 yards (15 yds per carry), 2 TDs, 1 - 2pt conversion
Receiving: 9 catches 222 yards (25 yds per reception), 5 TDs, 1- 2pt conversion
Totals: 7 TDs, 46 total points, 17 yards per touch
1st Team MVC All-Conference Running Back
Honorable Mention All-Coulee Region Running Back
2x letter winner
Sports Idol: Albert Pujols
Favorite Sports Memory: Winning a state wrestling title at the Kohl Center in front of 15,000 people
Future Plans: Participate in baseball or wrestling at the collegiate level
Favorite Quote: "The best things in life aren't things."
Non Athletic Activities Accomplishments and Awards:
Class rank of #1 of 300, Cumulative 4.0 GPA with Honors and AP (advanced placement) classes
Member of National Honors Society, D.E.C.A, and LC Club
Leading acting role in movie "Kickers" (Summer 2012 movie by Haase films in partnership with Central High School administration, students, and other community partners showing the dangers and consequences of prescription drug abuse by teenagers)
Volunteer coach for River Rats Wrestling Program
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Ben Thornton
