Article

Veteran King seeks homecoming win for first time in final try

by Dan Myers
Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: Mens Sports

Ben King has seen a lot in his days at Minnesota State.

The Mavericks starting quarterback, turned starting pitcher, turned starting quarterback has been with the team since 2003. He's been through three offensive coordinators, two head coaches, two losing seasons, one winning one and has seen countless teammates come and go.

There is one thing, however, he's never seen on Homecoming weekend: A Maverick victory.

"It'd be great," King said. "But we expect to win. If we come out and play well, it'd be a big win for us."

"It'd be nice for Ben King and it'd be nice for the Minnesota State Mavericks," said Mavericks head coach Jeff Jamrog. "Ben has put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this program, and anything our team accomplishes, he's gonna be a big part of."

Each Homecoming game King has started has been against a perennial conference favorite.

Last year, the Mavericks lost to Nebraska-Omaha. In 2004, MSU held a 21-3 lead against South Dakota and lost. In 2003, he led the Mavericks against North Dakota State.

Yes, King has been around that long; NDSU is a Division I team now. They played at the Metrodome last year against the Gophers. And they almost won.

The Mavericks loss in the game to NDSU was just hours before Mankato's most infamous "civil disturbance."

King is one of only two players left from the team that played that Saturday.

Much has changed since then, including the head coach, and the offensive coordinator, twice.

The offense is radically different than it was in 2004 - Jamrog's first year in Mankato. That season, King started all 11 games and was third in the NCC in passing yards with 1,917.

Through only five games this season, King has already thrown for 1,717 yards and 15 touchdowns. His passer efficiency rating is an efficient 138.6.

"He's resilient," Jamrog said. "He has a passion for the game."

Jamrog has seen his share of quarterbacks in his experiences at UNO and at the University of Nebraska. In more than a couple ways, Jamrog says, King is the most special he's seen.

"He's got the strongest arm I've been around," Jamrog said. "He's got that one element you're always looking for; he's a tremendous competitor. It doesn't matter if it's football, baseball or a putt-putt contest, Ben King wants to win."

Jamrog has also been pleased with what he has seen emotionally. In three years, King has gone from a quiet leader to one more willing to show his teeth.

"I've seen him grow a great deal, and that's fun to watch a young man do," Jamrog said.

His ability and growth have led some to believe there may be a future in football when he's done at Minnesota State. But for now, all King is focused on is winning his first game in front of a homecoming crowd.

"It's a different atmosphere," King said. "It's our home place and we have to take advantage of the emotion."

Dan Myers is the Reporter Sports Editor