Each academic year, the Benedictine Men's Soccer program names a recipient of the Dr. Richard Wittmann Award. This year's recipient is senior Benjamin Houlihan.

The award is named after one of the founding fathers of Benedictine Soccer. Dr. Wittmann. Wittmann served as the first men's soccer club coach from 1959-1962 before the program became an intercollegiate sport in 1963.

Houlihan, a defender and Mechanical Engineering major, will graduate on Saturday and plans to attend the Seminary after graduation. He has earned this year's Wittmann Award based on criteria established by the men's soccer program, encompassing the program's and Benedictine's core values.

"Ben has showcased tremendous growth with his time on the Men's Soccer program," said head coach John Sosa. "Ben joined as a walk-on player in his junior year after focusing on his academics his first two years at Benedictine. 

Through hard work and perseverance, Ben worked his way up the roster. He managed to become an important defender on the field for the program, starting a total of 14 games. 

"Whenever Ben steps on the field, he gives his utmost best effort and always puts the team first," Coach Sosa said. "Ben has been a great example for his teammates, showing that hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude can lead to huge growth and results." 

Houlihan has maintained above a 3.0 GPA while balancing engineering, soccer, a strong faith life, and an active social life on campus. Ben always has a smile on his face and is brings others up with his positivity and humor. Each person on the team will tell you that Ben is a wonderful person to be around and has had a positive impact on everyone he meets. Ben exemplifies what it means to be a Benedictine College Men's Soccer player.

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