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However, the University of Minnesota was his only big-time college offer. Says Ben,  I was optimistic, but I knew I had to work hard to become bigger, faster and stronger. <br>By the 2000 season, Ben had achieved a 385 Bench, a 390 Hang Clean, a 330 Power Clean, a 525 Parallel Squat, a 5.0 forty and a 32.5 Vertical Jump. He can dunk a basketball now at 280 pounds. Coach Hartman says,  Ben numbers aren t as great as some others but what sets him apart is his athleticism and flexibility. So he is a great athlete who has gotten continually stronger and better. <br>Ben was a 1999 All-American and a pre-season 2000 All-American. He has also been selected as a 2000 Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award Candidate. Ben states,  While growing up in Wayzata, playing for the University of Minnesota was always a dream for me. After my freshman year, I wasn t sure what to expect for the rest of my college career because of coaching changes. But, Coach Mason came in and changed the attitudes and expectations of Gopher football. I am very proud that I was part of transforming this program back into a winner. <br>Ben believes that hard work has gotten him where he is.  I ve used goal setting, says Ben.  Goals help you to stay focused. On a big day in the weight room or o <br><br>Scholarship<br><br>Conrad was the valedictorian at Malden High School. He received an  A in every class all four years except one and that was an  A- because he missed a class for a track meet. Conrad s secret?  I tried to really focus on every word my teachers said. At college, studies always come first. The coaches at Central really support this. <br><br>Leadership and General Character<br><br>Conrad leads by example in all areas of life, but one area that is most impressive is his leadership in relation to drugs, alcohol and tobacco.  Anything that is going to hurt your body, says Conrad,  you must stay away from. Drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco are not for anybody; athlete or non-athlete. Conrad has never gone near a drug, taken a sip of alcohol or touched a tobacco product. <br> It was never hard for me, explained Conrad.  The first time I was offered was at an 8th grade party. I decided to go home. I asked if anyone wanted to leave with me and one person did. We ended up watching a movie and eating pizza. Coach Ivie has had both his sons, Conrad and younger brother Cole repeat the BFS Three Rules For Success and do the BFS Dot Drill before breakfast since they were two years old. They do this everyday. One of those rules is to  refuse to associate with anyone, anyplace or anything that will create mediocrity or negativity. Conrad refuses to associate in a drug, alcohol or tobacco situation. <br>Conrad always gives out his cell phone number and offers to drive others home. He warns,  Don t drive with alcohol in you. When you keep saying  no to alcohol people start respecting you and eventually they just stop asking. There is always other things to do like going to the movies, etc. I also believe part of leadership is being a good role model because tiny eyes are always watching. <br> It s nice to have people around you who believe in you, asserted Conrad.  I am lucky to have such wonderful parents, family, friends and teammates. <br><br>Proper Perspective<br><br>The following is part of Conrad s valedictorian speech:  In the ancient Greek Olympic Games, the motto