On the record with: BHS' Ben Beam

By Peter W. Zubaty, Sports Editor

Bardstown senior soccer player Ben Beam is this week’s nominee for The Kentucky Standard/PLG-TV 13 Student-Athlete of the Week.

In addition to being a starter on the soccer team, Beam also competes as a pole vaulter for the Tiger track squad, qualifying for state last year. He carries a 3.7 GPA and is involved in several clubs, including Pep Club.

Beam has not decided on a major or a school, but would like to attend the University of Kentucky.

Kentucky Standard sports editor Peter W. Zubaty caught up with Beam for a few questions to better get to know him.

PZ: What’s your favorite TV show?

BB: My favorite TV show changes to whatever show I’m watching on Netflix at the time, which right now is “Mad Men” but my all time favorite has to be “The Office.”

PZ: What got you started in soccer?

BB: I really can’t remember how I got started in soccer, it’s been so long ago.

PZ: Do you have a favorite pre-match meal?

BB: I have a lot of favorite meals, but usually I eat a cup of ramen noodles before my games.

PZ: What’s the difference between competing for the soccer team opposed to the track squad?

BB: Well, the soccer team is more of a team-based sport and my individual performance depends on 10 other guys, whereas when I’m pole-vaulting, my performance is all on me. I have to work hard and practice for both sports, but they are so different.

PZ: What’s your favorite song/album? Who’s your favorite band/artist?

BB: I don’t really have a favorite song. I listen to so much music that I can’t pick just one. I don’t really have a favorite band, but if I had to choose I would say Lynyrd Skynyrd.

PZ: What do you enjoy most about soccer? Do you have a preference between soccer and pole vaulting?

BB: What I most enjoy about soccer is getting to do something I love with a lot of my friends. I get to go play a game and spend time with friends every day. It doesn’t get much better. Do I prefer soccer or pole vaulting more? That’s tough! I think about both constantly, and I’m passionate about both. When it’s soccer season I think about soccer more, but when it’s pole vaulting season I think more about pole vaulting. It’s like asking a parent which is their favorite child.

PZ: How tough is it juggling schoolwork, sports and other activities?

BB: Well, it’s obviously a challenge juggling school and sports. My parents help me stay on track at school. With my parents bugging about my grades and homework all the time it helps me fit it all in.

PZ: What has been your biggest thrill in sports?

BB: I get the biggest thrills from jumping high and scoring goals.

PZ: What do you do when you have some precious free time away from school and sports?  

BB: In my limited free time between school, homework and work, I like to hang out with my friends and relax. When I have more time I like to go into my garage and pursue another one of my passions, woodworking