Featured Senior: Ben Hedman

What was your most memorable moment throughout your career at Willamette?

My sophomore year at the NWC Swimming Championships

Describe your feelings when you found out the athletic events were canceled for the remainder of the year.

I felt very lucky I had already finished my own athletic season and extremely sorry for those who hadn't.

How have you been handling life in quarantine? Are you home or on campus? What's it like learning online and not being around your teammates?

I am living off campus in Salem. I live with and near many of my upperclassman teammates but definitely miss spending time with those who have gone home. It's been tough being stuck in my house all the time, but I am doing what I can to make the most of it.

What has your experience as a Bearcat taught you?

A lot of things, but I think the biggest for me has been the importance of having a positive attitude. I have been consistently amazed how big a difference positivity can have as an athlete, student, and friend.

If you could leave one piece of advice for future Bearcats, what would it be?

Remember to keep the big picture in mind. Don't let the stresses of day to day life overwhelm you.

What are your future plans following graduation?

Getting an Emergency Medical Technician certification and firefighting

From their teammates

What was your most memorable moment of Ben?

Benji Troutman: Ben's beans

Britt Shunn-Mitchell: I was scheduled to lifeguard with Ben, but I was also dog-sitting a puppy with separation anxiety, so I brought the puppy and Ben spent the entire shift uncharacteristically smiling and laughing while playing with the puppy. He was like a five-year-old on their birthday.

How has Ben impacted you in your sport or in life?

Benji Troutman: Hedman helped keep the mood light when practices were hard.

What makes Ben special?

Benji Troutman: Ben never gave up on a race. No matter how far back he was you always knew he wasn't out of the race.

Is there anything Ben brought to the program that will have a lasting impact?

Benji Troutman: His entertainment in and out of the water