Interview: Quarterback Ben Zeitler #8

(Lipsitt Photography)

Quarterback of his high school football team, straight A student, and school journalist (Midland Dow High School Journal), Ben Zeitler does it all. He is an all around team player and looks to lead the Chargers to a state title in this 2017 season. Ben Zeitler is a humble man, a leader, an excellent student with high character, and athletically gifted. All of us strive to be like Ben in some form or another.

Interviewer Jason: "What are your aspirations for this team?" 

Ben Zeitler: "On the field last year after we lost to Fenton in the district championship, I set the goal that we would return to the district championship in 2017, and win this time. So that's been my driving force, but once we accomplish that, I won't be content. I want to continue winning until we win the State Championship at Ford Field."

Interviewer Jason: "How does this years team compare to last years team? Can you explain some strengths and weaknesses that your team is dealing with right now?"

Ben Zeitler: "We're returning only 4 or 5 starters from last year, with only one returning starter on offense, so we had to fill a lot of spots and find our own identity. I think we differ from last year's group in that we don't have any stars, any Division I or II players, but we're pretty solid high school players overall, and we have depth. I also feel that our team has a deeper sense of camaraderie than we had last year. As for the strengths and weaknesses, as Coach Streeter says, speed is our advantage. We are physically smaller than almost every team we play, but we counter size with speed. In order to achieve our goals, we have to execute better on offense by getting and staying on our blocks, and by converting on crucial plays." 

Interviewer Jason: "As a starting QB for Midland Dow, a high level Division 2 school, do you feel you have big shoes to fill from last years Quaterback?"

Ben Zeitler: "I do feel like I have big shoes to fill. Replacing a two-time SVL MVP and All-State quarterback is a daunting task, but I think that between Shane Astrike and I, we are doing a good job of putting Dow High in a position to win each and every game."

Interviewer Jason: "One last question before I let you focus on the upcoming game later this week. You said that this year team has a high level of camaraderie. Is there anything the team does to bond with one another outside of football?"

Ben Zeitler: "On Monday nights of weeks that we play at home, we have team dinners at Applebee's where we are served water, an appetizer and an entree of Applebee's choice, and we must pay only a $2 tip for the service. On Wednesdays, the offensive line eats at Pi's, and the defensive backs sometimes eat at Entre Amigos. On Thursdays, we have an optional team dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, and then we go watch JV play if they have a home game. If varsity has a home game, there is an afterparty for players and parents at a teammate's house, and we eat and watch Friday Night Lights on the news."

Interviewer Jason: "I appreciate your time and willingness to interview with me! Go Chargers!"

Ben Zeitler: "No problem, I'm a journalist Midland Dow High School Journal for my school paper so I'm usually the one asking the questions, thank you for doing the blog about us!"

Interviewer Analysis: Ben Zeitler is a winner. He is not content until he has put his maximum effort forth and achieved the highest ranking in everything he does. Ben is an example of give 100% every single day. This effort is seen in his grades, athletic talent, high character, humble demeanor, and leadership on and off the field. The Chargers face a top tier Traverse City West team on Friday. Ben Zeitler will be a part of the two quarterback system in order to put an end to West's win streak. Now that we have gotten to know Ben, how can you not root him on, and hope the Chargers pull out this win!