Ben Beckwith’s Trip Home to Benton Academy

Oct 4, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive lineman Ben Beckwith (66) and offensive lineman Justin Malone (70) celebrate their teams win against the Texas A&M Aggies at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Aggies 48-31. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Each week I write a food column about tailgating for Maroon and White Nation.  This week I wanted to do something in addition to that food contribution.

My husband is serving his second year as Head of School at Benton Academy.  Ben Beckwith is a 2010 graduate of our school.  Last Friday night he was invited to attend our final regular season home game of the season to take part in the ceremonial coin toss.  We set up a maroon and white MSU tent full of Bulldog memorabillia along with a table for him to sign autographs.

The people of  Benton Academy and our community wanted to show Ben how very proud we are of him and the entire Bulldog team.  We did just that!  As Ben took the field with our senior football captains, he was introduced and received a standing ovation accompanied by quite a few clanging cowbells.

I knew that Ben went to State as a walk on.  Last year, as a junior, with much hard work and  determination, he garnered a starting position on the offensive line.  He has been an important member of the  Bulldog team.  Ben has received two SEC Offensive Lineman Player of the Week awards in back to back games this year.

I also saw a very humble, grateful young man who was so proud of his team’s accomplishments.  He signed autographs at the beginning of the game and was still signing them after the game had ended.  Fans, both young and old, lined up to speak to Ben, get his autograph, and take photos with him.  He took the time with every single person to make them feel as if they were the only person there.

After a short period of time, I began to wonder how many times he could answer the same question – How does it feel to be playing on the number one college team in the nation? One third grade boy asked him to explain how a team that was at the bottom of the SEC in preseason could now be the number one team in the nation. Several young boys told him that they were going to play football for Mississippi State just like him. He answered each and every question with sincerity and kindness.

Ben spoke to our football team in the locker room before the game started.  He told them that only a few years ago, he was exactly where they are in the Benton Academy locker room waiting for a football game to start.  He also told them to enjoy these high school games.  There is nothing like the feeling of Friday night football.

We are all so proud of our hometown boy.  They say you can’t go home again, but I think you can.  Ben Beckwith showed us that very thing last Friday night when he came home to Benton Academy.

GO DAWGS!

HAIL STATE!!