Whether he’s on the gridiron, clearing a pole vault, working with 4-H or helping out on the family farm — Brownstown Central’s Ryan Benter is always active.
This fall, Benter has played fullback and right dime for the Braves on the football field.
In his spare time, Benter is the president of the junior leaders club and 4-H, and secretary of FFA while also working on his family’s farm in Tampico.
He’s also involved in Brownstown’s Booster Club, Letterman’s Club and a youth group.
After taking time away from football his freshman and sophomore year, Benter rejoined the program in 2014.
“As a younger kid, I always loved football,” Benter said. “My freshman year, I wasn’t feeling it, so I quit for two years. Last year, coach (Reed) May asked if I was interested and decided I would come back. It was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
As a fullback in a shotgun offense, Benter leads the blocks in the backfield.
“I try to make my blocks, I get aggravated if I can’t do that,” Benter said.” I like to keep my quarterback safe back there, too. I try to also keep my running backs from getting hit. I occasionally run a route and get a catch.”
On defense, at right dime, Benter said he fulfills a linebacker-type role for the Braves. In the spring, Benter will pole vault on the track and field team.
Benter said that his love for vaulting started with his family.
“They usually say it takes a crazy person to pole vault,” Benter said. “My uncles pole vaulted, and they kind of talked me into it. It’s something I wanted to do, and I’ve had some luck with it.”
Last season, Benter cleared 12 feet for All-Mid-Southern Conference honors before qualifying for the Bloomington North Regional.
Benter said that his highest jumps start with a solid plant.
“Usually, it starts with the plant,” he said. “That decides your whole vault. After that you can really focus on driving your knee up”
After high school, Benter plans on attending Purdue University to study agriculture business management.
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Parents: Kevin and Tammie Benter
Sibling: Kyle Benter
Sports: Football 2 years, Track and field 3 years
Athletic highlights: All-Mid-Southern Conference pole vaulter, regional qualifier in pole vault
Organizations: 4-H, Junior Leaders, FFA, Booster Club, Letterman’s Club and youth group
Plans after high school: Attend PUrdue University, study Ag business management
Favorite food: pizza
Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds”
Favorite musician: Jason Aldean
Favorite movie: “Remember the Titans”
Favorite team: Indianapolis Colts
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Q: Why do you play football?
A: “I just like the contact and the brotherhood of the sport. I love being with the team and having fun out there.”
Q: Why are you interested in studying Ag business management in college?
A: “I live on a family farm and its always interested me. With that degree, I can run my own business of 500 dairy cows or come back and help my dad on the farm. After football, I always go home and help on the farm.”
Q: What will you miss most about high school athletics?
A: “I’m going to miss being with the team the most. I will miss the atmosphere, we usually have a good crowd.”
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The Brownstown Central High School varsity football coaches have announced awards for Friday’s 57-5 win over Corydon
Earning honors are Gavin Bane, offensive back MVP; Clay Wilkerson, offensive line MVP; Trevor Colby, defensive line/inside linebacker MVP; Justin Donnells, defensive back/dime MVP; Cameron Eggersman, special teams MVP; Braden Neal, scout team MVP; Jacob Brewer, Tanner Bell, Lendon Underwood, Wilkerson black jersey winners.
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