Mishler is an example of good student role model at Adams Central

By JIM LANGHAM
Berne Tri-Weekly News
Adams Central senior Ben Mishler has always believed, as a Christian, that it is his responsibility to take care of his body and live a life that is a proper example to those around him.
Because of his stand against tobacco use, as well as drug and alcohol abuse, Mishler was chosen as this year’s Adams Central Senior Athlete Role Model by local and state officials.
He couldn’t have been more thrilled when news of the choice reached him.
“I’m in a very honored class of AC kids who have shared this honor before,” said Mishler. “I always looked up to all of them. I thought that it was a real cool thing that they had that honor.
“I’m glad that I have the opportunity to be a role model to the younger kids,” continued Mishler. “It’s cool that I can show them that you don’t have to take drugs or party to be successful in sports. I want to be a good example to them.”
Once Mishler was chosen, he traveled to Indianapolis to have his picture taken for the school’s role model poster. He also attended a special IHSAA (Indiana High School Athletic Association) bureau for training in communicating his beliefs to others.
One of the requirements for Mishler is to speak in at least four different locations concerning his convictions about drugs and alcohol. His specific assigned topic is the harmful effects of spit tobacco.
“It can be very harmful to your body, just like smoking or anything else like that,” said Mishler. “It can cause mouth cancer, sores, and ulcers. I saw a picture of a basketball player whose jaw was surgically removed because of a special type of oral cancer.
“I remember some of the people that I looked up to when I was younger. Later I found out that they had used drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and they got caught,” said Mishler. “I remember being so disappointed in them. I made up my mind then that I didn’t want to let anybody down like that.”
As a senior, Mishler is one of the captains of the AC boys basketball team, where he is considered a, “go to” person. He was also involved in football and plans to be a part of the baseball team this spring.
Following graduation, Mishler plans to attend Anderson University where he wants to major in athletic training.
“I’ve always loved sports, not only because of the physical competition, but because of the friends you make,” Mishler said. “There’s a whole new set of friends in each sport.
“They (sports involvements) have taught me discipline and leadership. Recently, we had a practice at 6 a.m. I didn’t really like it but I realize that it’s a part of life. When I get future jobs that demand something like that, I will understand it better,”
Mishler said that he has especially appreciated the “people skills” that he has learned through athletic involvement. When he’s not involved with sports or academic pursuits, the senior can be found committed to Campus Life or spending time with his family, his chief joy.
Mishler said that his choice to attend Anderson came through encouragement from his parents, and his own personal role model, AC school trainer Dustin Wagner.
“I wanted to go to a small Christian college like Huntington or Anderson,” said Mishler. “My parents encouraged it; I wanted to get started off on the right foot. Anderson had more what I personally needed for my career choice.
“The Bible says that we should treat our bodies like God’s temple,” added Mishler. “I believe that, I believe that’s what my faith in Christ would have me do. I want to stick with that my entire life and be a good example.”