How did you first get involved with the Terrapin Club?
Ben: I first got involved when Lefty came to Maryland. I was 13 years old and I quickly became enamored with Maryland basketball. Later, my sole reason to decide to go to Maryland for college was so I could attend basketball games. For all 4 years as an undergrad, I waited in lines for several hours before tip-off to make sure I could get floor seats right behind the MD bench. In dental school, I negotiated with the then Athletic Director, Jim Kehoe, to offer tickets for graduate students at the UMAB, so while in dental school I continued going to the games. Once I graduated from dental school, I joined the Terrapin Club, and have been a member ever since.
What motivates you to give so generously?
Ben: I give generously because of the enjoyment I have gotten out of watching Maryland Athletics dating back to my teenage years.
Do you have a message you would like to share with other donors and fans?
Ben: I would tell fans to always keep in mind that these are college aged kids and many times still teenagers. They are trying their best. They are not professionals, although it may resemble it at times. Therefore, we need to be patient with them
Do you have an anecdote about Maryland Athletics or the Terrapin Club that you would share?
Ben: My wife and I attended the Fastbreakers private practice event when Juan Dixon was an assistant coach. At the event we were able to have a conversation with Juan and take pictures with him.
For all my undergrad years I sat in the front row of student floor seats at Cole and 28 years later, my son sat in the front row of the student floor seats behind the TV announcers at Comcast for all of his undergrad years. Sports Illustrated had a photo of him being the first fan leaping onto the court after the Terps beat #1 UNC.
My wife and I were flipping through channels recently and came across MD vs UCLA basketball game from the late 70's or early 80's on ESPNU. We saw someone walk behind the UCLA bench during a timeout and stop to listen to the coach talking to the players. Looking more closely, we realized the individual was me.
Who is on your Mount Rushmore of Maryland Athletics
What do you hope Maryland Athletics will achieve this year?
Ben: I hope that everyone stays well and healthy. For men's basketball, it will be fun to see how the guys who were previously role players will be required to step up and take on leadership roles.
If you could go back in time and witness one Terps game live (in any sport), what would it be and why?
Ben: It would have to be the Super Sunday basketball game vs. NC State or the Miracle in Miami. I watched both games on the television but would love to witness them live.
What is the first Maryland game you ever went to?
Ben: My first game would have been the first football game of my freshman year, a sellout vs #3 ranked Alabama. We lost in a close one 21-16. As a student, I attended every home football and men's basketball game.
What makes Maryland Athletics so special?
Ben: Even though there may be some things about Maryland Athletics you do not like, at the end of the day you still love it.
