15 minutes with Ben Neville, Ada High School senior
What classes are you taking this year?
Advanced Placement U.S. History, English 12 College Prep, Pre-Calculus-Trig, Physics, and French IV.
Are you set on your college plans next year?
I’m thinking seriously of attending ONU. I might major in criminal justice or business and then think about attending law school. I’ve already looked at Butler, Wisconsin and Ohio State.
What sports have you played at Ada?
I lettered in soccer four years, played baseball three years and for the first time ever, this spring, I’m running track.
What do you watch on TV?
Mostly Dexter and Top Gear UK. I’ve probably watched Dexter every night this week (laughing).
If you were going to get a tattoo, what would it say?
It’s pretty unlikely that I’ll ever get one, but if I did it would probably be a Tampa Bay Rays tattoo on my arm.
Even if in 20 years they moved to Bangor, Maine?
Yes.
Do you buy your lunch or pack?
I pack, ever since my sophomore year. It’s usually two sandwiches – peanut better and jelly and a ham sandwich – one bag of chips, applesauce and sweet tea.
Tell me about your worst grade ever.
It was a C in Advanced Chemistry. It was on a test and was really difficult. However, I made up for it and ended up with a 97 in the class.
Did you tell your parents about the C?
Yes.
What’s your favorite subject?
Probably history.
And your least favorite?
Biology.
Why?
We had to dissect a cat. I didn’t enjoy that.
Did you name the cat?
Yes. Felix. We had to identify the body parts. It took three or four months. Some students really got into it. Not me.
Where do you want to be in 15 years?
I’d like to be in Florida. I’ve always wanted to live there.
Are you going to spring baseball training in Florida soon?
Yes. My family had done that for seven years. My dad and I are going this year. I’ll see four games in a week. Tampa Bay, New York Yankees and the Braves.
Who will most likely be in the World Series, in your opinion?
The Red Sox have a good chance to win. The Cardinals will also be in it.
Who is going to win the men’s NCAA basketball tourney?
Wisconsin.
Come on!
They’re 9th in the nation.
What’s the meaning of life?
To enjoy life.
And the solution to world problems?
Get along.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a pilot.
Well, nice talking with you and good luck next year.
