Christian Sr. Ben Wickley, center in Wood County, signed with Fermont State University on Friday to join the cross country school program. Also pictured are his parents, Nicky and Dave Weekly. (Photo by Carrie Patrick)
WILLIAMSTONE - Of the five sports that Ben Weekly reported as a student-athlete at Wood County Christian, he did not necessarily see himself competing in cross-country skiing at the next level.
It has been several years since the senior competed in the fall activities, but after returning from a series of injuries in the past few years, his love of running reappeared this spring during the season on the track. In the middle of the schedule, he started training on the groin. At the time of the Class A rally on the state track, Wickley finished third in the 110 high hurdles race and fourth in the 300 hurdles.
That desire to run and the success he created brought back memories of ninth and tenth grade when he represented VCCS in cross country. At the signing ceremony on Friday, Wickley announced that he will join the cross-country program at Fairmont State University.
“I’ve always been interested in cross country - I did it in sixth grade, but moving to the next level in cross country is a bit unexpected,” he said. Veeklei said. “I’ve always loved football and I thought there might be opportunities to play in college.
Rehabilitation due to a tibial fracture, knee surgery and a stressful foot fracture has limited Vicki to a goalkeeper on the field in the last two seasons. When he returned to full health during the season on the track, he turned to several hurdlers across the road at Williamstown High School for training tips. Practically from meeting to meeting, Wickley sets personal records and sets new school records.
“Ben has a lot of natural abilities,” said VCCS boys and girls coach Dave Weekly, who is also Ben’s father.
“We just wanted to put him there and see what he can do. Another three to four weeks as he was in shape with the track and could probably be very competitive.
“We are thrilled with third and fourth place with only five weeks of the season.”
In addition to cross country, track and football for the boys, Ben played several seasons with the VCCS basketball team, starting at second base and scoring over .300 as a freshman for the Wildcat baseball team.
“Running has been Ben’s secondary sport until this year,” he said. said Dave Weekly.
“We always teased him that both sides of the family are largely involved in the track and that they are good runners. The season on the track was about, what time do we have to get him in shape to work with his athletics? ”
“The summer will be spent trying to get him to work at the base. And to increase it without causing injuries. “
Of course, there is no comparison between the distances that Ben has to cross in the cross country compared to the hurdles. Still, his feet are moving and Ben has the family genes to carry him out.
“They had Falcon Day that we attended in college - they had a bunch of classes, and we went to one for the NCAA,” said Ben. “I thought I could try and attend. When the season started on the track, I realized that I was not ready to give up my athletic career.
“Oh, yes, I’m ready for hard training. I gave myself a week after the state meeting to really be sure I was clear. Then I’ll start running. A change in miles will be a nice change of pace. It will be intense, but it will also be feasible. “
Ben Wickley’s field of interest at FSU focuses on construction. The long-term plan is to enter the master’s program in engineering management.
“I went to Fairmont State for various academic events - I love campus,” said Ben. “It’s a strange little town. I’m excited about the academic side of things and the athletic side. “
Contact Kerri Patrick at [email protected]