Student-Athlete of the Month

The "We are Hofstra...We are Leaders" program recognizes the all-around success of select Hofstra University student-athletes. The key criteria include excellence in academics, leadership and dedication in athletics, a commitment to community service, and the extent to which they serve as a role model for their peers.

Ben Clymer, a senior member of the wrestling team is continuing to make strides not only on the mat, but in the classroom as well. Ben decided to choose physical education as his major and career pursuit. He stated his decision was made because, "I've always been interested in physical activity and I enjoy working with children. The combination of these two interests have always come naturally to me so I thought pursuing a career in this field would be in my best interest."

Ben is in his fourth year on the Pride wrestling roster, and is a two-time NCAA qualifier and the 2011 CAA champion at 184 pounds. He became the first Hofstra wrestler this season to reach 20 wins and is a two-time CAA Wrestler of the Week.

QUESTION:  Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?

BEN CLYMER:  I chose to attend Hofstra because of the academic and athletic opportunity it provided. I also liked the personality and mentality of coach Anspach. He sold the idea of being able to attend a school on beautiful Long Island and wrestle for the very strong Hofstra Wrestling team. I'm glad I chose to come here.

Q:  What has it meant to be a member of the Hofstra wrestling team and to compete for your head coach, Rob Anspach?

BEN:  It has been a tremendous honor. Our coaching staff, led by Rob Anspach, is second to none. They all bring something different to the table and have helped to shape me into the wrestler, student and man I am today.

Q:  What has been your most memorable athletic achievement?

BEN:  The two experiences that come to mind are when we beat #7 Penn State my freshman year and competing at nationals in Philadelphia last year near my hometown (Germansville, PA).

Q:  What does it take to be a successful student while competing as a Division I student-athlete?

BEN:  Time management. It isn't something I've always done well, but with help from my coaches, teachers and academic advisors I've learned how to balance the time I spend in wrestling and school to optimize my performance in both. Samantha Sweeney, assistant director of athletics for student-athlete development, has been one of the more influential people that have helped me grow as a student-athlete.

Q:  How has community service involvement positively impacted your development as an individual?

BEN:  As a student-athlete I've been blessed with many opportunities and advantages. Community service involvement has provided me with the opportunity to give back and help others that may be less fortunate than myself. The experience of helping others and positively impacting the community has been just as much a reward for me as it has been for those we've reached out to.

Q:  What kinds of aspirations do you have for playing at the next level, it any?

BEN:  I don't really have any goals to compete on the Olympic level, but I do look forward to coaching and positively impacting my athletes as my coaches have me.          

Q:  What is your definition of a leader?

BEN:  A leader is someone who strengthens those around them through their actions, words and lifestyle. They are someone who is able to accept responsibility in any situation and positively affect everyone else involved. 

Q:  What piece of advice do you have for incoming student-athletes?

BEN:  Be teachable. Sometimes athletes coming out of high school can be overconfident and think too highly of themselves. The successful student-athletes will realize their coaches and teachers are more experienced and can help them grow into the young adult they need to be, you just need to listen and work hard.

Q:  What are your interests outside of your sport?

BEN:  I enjoy watching and playing just about any sport from basketball to golf to frisbee. I love going to the beach in my free time! I also love being with my family when I get the opportunity and going to church on Sundays to try to grow as a Christian.