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Last February, Westfield's Ben Wachtel became the first swimmer in school history to win a state title at the IUPUI Natatorium - and he didn't win just one title. Now a senior, Wachtel is back to defend his crown in both the 100- and 200-yard freestyles during next month's state tournament. HSSTM quizzed his dad and his coach to see who knows Wachtel best.
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"Ben comes to practice every day with a positive attitude and a tremendous work ethic," says Westfield swimming coach John Davis. "He sets a great example to our younger athletes about what it takes to succeed and reach the next level. He is going to continue to improve and will likely make big strides at the college level."
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Ben Wachtel
Westfield Swimming
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Roger Wachtel
Ben's Dad
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John Davis
Westfield Swimming Coach
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1. What is Ben’s favorite comfort food?
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Snow cone
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Canned ravioli with pretzels mixed in. Really.
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Pizza – any toppings
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2. Ben’s favorite race: 100- or 200-freestyle?
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200; it separates men from less tough men.
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200; there’s less left to chance
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200
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3. Ben at the beach: Speedo or trunks?
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Trunks
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Trunks
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Trunks
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4. Ben’s favorite pool to race in, other than IUPUI?
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Either HSE or Noblesville
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Noblesville
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Purdue
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5. What is Ben’s most notorious pre-meet ritual?
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We do the DEFENSE chant. Defense wins championships.
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The “defense†chant or the Sad Clown Dance
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Not sure; hangs out with his buddies.
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6. If Ben wins the lottery, what is his first indulgence?
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Buy parents a huge house or a swimming pool full of marshmallows.
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Should be a new house for his parents, but it’ll be a hot car
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A new Jeep
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7. Jeans, khakis or sweats?
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Sweats
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Sweats
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Jeans
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8. What was Ben’s favorite “water game†growing up?
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I didn’t really swim growing up.
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We used to race. He’d give me a pool-length lead and beat me.
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Water baseball? Baseball was his main sport.
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9. What artist is on Ben’s iPod most?
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Kanye!!!
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Kanye West is his hero
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Rage Against the Machine
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10. What is the hardest thing about being Ben Wachtel?
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It’s not hard; maybe just being as awesome as I am
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He’ll say his all-around awesomeness, which he thinks is hilarious.
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Finding shirts that fit properly. Honestly, he’s not bothered by much else
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Total Points: |
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8 out of 10!
Amazing job, Pops! |
2 out of 10!
Better luck next time! |
