Catholic Central senior was all-MCC in basketball, baseball, football
By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
Ben Heiligenthal is a refreshing throwback to the good old days of high school sports.
While most kids specialize in one sport and play it year-round nowadays, the Catholic Central senior is a jack-of-all-trades.
Heiligenthal doesn’t simply play three sports – he excels at them.
From all-conference in basketball and baseball to conference player of the year in football, Heiligenthal didn’t stop there.
The straight-A student tore it up on the basketball court in November and December to take the lead in area scoring.
Heiligenthal surpassed the 1,000-point milestone last month and averages nearly 22 points per game.
For his memorable 2015 campaign, Heiligenthal is the All-Western Racine County Male Athlete of the Year.
Catholic Central boys basketball coach summed up Heiligenthal’s leadership abilities.
“Ben is the ultimate leader,” Scott said. “He leads naturally by example but has been more vocal this season, helping out the younger guys.”
Burlington Standard Press Sports Editor Mike Ramczyk recently caught up with Heiligenthal to talk about sports, school and the future.
MR: In football, you turned into a huge running threat as quarterback. How did that skill develop?
BH: Every year in the summer I tried to improve physically in as many ways as I could.
Over the summer, I was frequently in the weight room working on my strength and doing drills in the multi-purpose room and on the football field working on improving my quickness and agility. I’d like to emphasize that it was not just me doing these workouts, many of my teammates did it as well.
MR: You guys made history with a conference title and a trip to the state semifinal before running into a superior team. Why do you think the football season was so special, and do you have any regrets?
BH: This football season was definitely one to remember. This team was just so talented and so close. It felt like the whole season was more playing with my best friends rather than being on a football team.
All those guys on that team are like brothers to me, and I couldn’t have wished for a better group of guys to play my final season with. I have no regrets about this football season. I gave it absolutely everything I had, and made some of the best memories of my life doing it.
MR: How did your basketball, baseball and football experiences compare to each other? What were commonalities among all three teams that led to success?
BH: Each sport is different and fun in its own way. It’s hard to compare them. No matter what team I was playing on, the same two things lead to success – attitude and effort. When the team had a good and positive attitude and gave maximum effort, we were usually successful.
MR: Talk about the multi-sport athlete. Why do you like it? Does it conflict with your school work? How do you manage everything?
BH: I love playing three sports. I’ve played all three for most of my life. Each sport is fun in its own unique way, and that’s why I love doing it. It’s sometimes difficult having practice after school every day or getting home late from away games, but I always manage to get my school work done. I think playing sports has helped me learn a lot about time management that will help me in the future.
MR: How’s the basketball season going right now? How did the Austin Neuhaus accident affect you personally and the team?
BH: The basketball season is going very well. I’m really excited about the group of guys we have this year. We have talented guys who work hard and are dedicated. We play in a tough conference, so sometimes the record doesn’t show it, but we play hard day in and day out.
The accident with Austin was definitely eye-opening for our team. It was such a terrible event, and I immediately started praying for him and the team visited him as soon as they would let us. Austin is such a good kid and a good friend. It was hard to see that happen to him, but he’s doing really well now and we are all thankful for that.
I think the team really rallied around Austin and knew we had to play for him. He would’ve given anything to be back out on that court with us, so we play as hard as we can every night for Austin.
MR: How are you doing in school? Do you know where you’re going to college, and do you plan on playing sports?
BH: I’m doing very well in school. I just finished the first semester with straight A’s. I put in just as much work in the classroom as I do in sports. I’m a student-athlete. (Emphasis on student.)
I take my school work very seriously. I haven’t for sure decided where I am going to go to college, but I was just recently accepted into UW-Madison, and that is where I’m leaning towards. If I go to Madison I will not play any sports (I will definitely play intramurals though) and will be just a student. I plan to major in Computer Science.
MR: Thinking of the next generation and the kids growing up that want to be Ben Heiligenthal, what advice do you have for kids wanting to be sports stars?
BH: I would tell kids who want to play sports to never lose the love of the game and have fun. That’s what makes sports so great. Always remember that sports are meant for fun, so live it up and enjoy every minute playing and being with your friends. And keep your grades up.
Who is Ben Heiligenthal?
Favorite movie: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”
Favorite song: “Hit the Quan,” by iLoveMemphis
Sports are: my passion.
I’m a multi-sport athlete because: I love three sports.
Food ritual before or after game: I’m usually really hungry after games so I pretty much eat whatever is available to me.
Facebook, Twitter or Instagram? Why? Twitter is definitely my favorite social media app. It’s fun and I can check score updates.
Favorite athlete: Aaron Rodgers
Favorite place in Burlington: Lucky Star restaurant
If you could have dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Michael Jordan. I think it would be really cool to meet Michael Jordan, and maybe he would give me some free shoes.
NOTE: I’d really like to thank my parents. They’re at every single one of my games and have always been there for me. They have done so much for me, and I wouldn’t be the person or athlete I am today without them. I can’t thank them enough for all they do for me.
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