Spring Spotlight: Ben Griffith (Senior | Nashville, Tenn.), Track & Field

1. What was the decision process like in choosing the Rhodes? What ultimately helped persuade your decision?

My decision process in choosing Rhodes is a testament to the persistence of our coaches, who called me on a weekly basis. Their consistency and repeated calls made me feel like I was truly wanted at Rhodes. The ultimate deciding factor for me was the cross country and track and field team – they were clearly a family in how they cared for each other.

2. What is it about your team/program do you like best? 

The best thing about my team is that we are a family. I was welcomed onto campus day one with open arms from my teammates and over my four years at Rhodes I have gained my lifelong and best friends from the track team. 

3. Do you have a favorite memory or memories?

My favorite memory as a team was sweeping conference in outdoor track my junior year. It was the perfect way to send off our amazing class of seniors, and we won in a comeback fashion with the performances from my event, the 800, clinching our title. My favorite Coach Shankman story is from this indoor track season when we raced in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After the meet we went to a Krispy Kreme, where Coach Shankman convinced the manager that it was all of our first times at a Krispy Kreme, getting us a free dozen of donuts. 

4. Is there any specific play or performance that sticks out in your mind across your career, whether it involve you or was a teammate's accomplishment?

My favorite personal performance was outdoor track conference my freshman year, when I achieved personal bests in the 800m and the 400m. My favorite accomplishment by my teammates was junior year, when our cross country team finished 17^that nationals (a school record) and my good friend Toler Freyaldenhoven raced to an All-American position. 

5. What advice would you give to an underclassman teammate?

Utilize the training staff; maintaining health & consistency as a runner will guide you to PRs as long as you're following Coach Shankman's training plan. 

6. Do you have future plans after school is finished this spring?

My future plans are to work as a Congressional staffer in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. – I have secured an internship this summer there which I hope to turn in to a full time position. Athletically, I am looking forward to racing the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis come December. 

7. Do you have any social distancing advice, games, or ideas to help people pass the time?

I love TV and movies, so I'd say binge-watching those is a great way to pass the time. Other than that, setting up Zoom meetings with your friends is a really fun way to stay connected with everyone. 

8. Would you like to share any hobbies or favorite foods with us?

I've recently been playing a lot of Fortnite with my roommates.

9. Must go-to Memphis restaurants or places to check out?

Here's my definitive list of restaurants: Cozy Corner (BBQ), Dixie Queen (Milkshakes), Ching's Wings (Wings), La Michoacana (Popsicles/Ice Cream), Brother Junipers (Breakfast), and Huey's (Burgers). Also, it is a requirement to visit the Bass Pro Pyramid – Memphis' Mecca – during your four years at Rhodes.