10 Questions With … Ben Wissel
Junior grappler recalls memorable Christmas present, sent to work soon after
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Each week throughout the 2004-2005 wrestling season, one wrestler will be chosen at random to answer 10 equally random questions developed by Purdue’s Sports Information office. This week’s random wrestler is junior 184-pounder Ben Wissel, interviewed by student assistant Erin Myers.
1. So did you do anything special for Valentine’s Day this year?
No, definitely not. Well, unless you call studying for a test and doing dishes special, which I don’t.
2. Right on, I didn’t do anything either … but anyway, I know your dad used to play for the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league baseball team, so does this mean you’re a Phillies fan?
Well, I grew up a Pirates fan, but since it’s family tradition, I’ll cheer for the Phillies, too. I’m really looking forward to baseball season … some people may think it’s boring to watch, but I really like to watch and play baseball.
3. Describe to me a typical day or night of rest and relaxation … do you do anything in particular?
I’m a professional at wasting time. Usually when I have time off, I could be studying or reading, but I usually don’t. Instead I’ll try and spend some time outside – I love the outdoors – and I’ll just loiter around. When the weather is nice, I’ll usually go fishing with Doug (Withstandley). I love to fish.
4. Speaking of fishing, where is your favorite place to fish?
Right now while it’s cold, I like to go to the Oakdale Dam in the Tippecanoe River. In the spring and the summer, though, I like to go to Raccoon Lake, Wildcat Creek or Fairfield Lakes.
5. Now to the important stuff … Michael Jackson was taken to the hospital yesterday for illness while he was on his way to the trial – do you think he’s faking it?
I don’t know about that, but I have a joke for you.
Okay.
Why does Michael Jackson like twenty eight year-olds?
Hmm … I don’t know, why?
Because there are 20 of them!
Hahahahaha…nice one, Ben.
Why, thank you.
6. Okay, back to the interview … it was reported on Sports Illustrated’s website that at the Magic/Hornets Valentine’s Day game that a man popped out of a box on the court between the first and second quarters to propose to his girlfriend, but that she ran away with her face in her hands. What do you think of public proposals and would you ever propose publicly yourself?
No way … seriously, they are the most stupid thing ever. That’s definitely not the way to go about proposing, and I would not do it myself, that’s for sure. I mean, I guess it would cross my mind if I knew without a doubt that she would say yes, but I still wouldn’t ever do it.
7. On the subject of relationships and whatnot, Ball State now has a marriage class as part of its curriculum – basically a Relationships 101 course – for students who wish to take it. How do you think students here would react to a similar class as part of Purdue’s curriculum?
I think I know of some people who would need to take a class like that, but I don’t think it would get taken advantage of here at Purdue. Relationship advice is what marriage and relationship counselors are for … to help you with those kinds of problems.
8. What was the most memorable gift you have ever received? It could be from Christmas, a birthday, Flag Day …
Oh jeez, I remember when I was 12 years old and I got work boots for Christmas. Yeah, I definitely didn’t ask for them for Christmas – it was my parents’ way of telling me that I’d be put to work as soon as possible.
9. I know you are one of the few starters on the team who usually has the freedom to eat the night before a match … do the other guys resent you because of that luxury?
Yeah, they complain sometimes, but it’s not my fault that I’m at a weight class where I’m comfortable and they have to cut so much weight. It keeps me relaxed, knowing that I can eat and not have to worry so much in the morning about making weight. Food is good.
10. Well this has been very entertaining, but we need to wrap up the interview … is there anything you want to do or accomplish before you die?
I want to win the national title, no doubt. But most importantly, I want to find a career I’m happy with and just be happy with life in general. That’s what life is all about.
Wrestling Gear
Ben hgas got to be one of the funniest guys that I’ve ever known, and you guys are so lucky that you got to talk with him.
Ben hgas got to be one of the funniest guys that I’ve ever known, and you guys are so lucky that you got to talk with him.
Love you Uncle Ben!