HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Xavier's Valentine values faith, football

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By Daniel Richardson, Xavier sophomore

CEDAR RAPIDS - Last year, the Xavier yearbook staff polled the class of 2013 on a series of "Most likely to..." topics regarding their fellow classmates.

One category in particular - "most likely to choose a religious vocation" - would be a very fitting description of Xavier senior Ben Valentine. On the football field, he was a motivated and aggressive free safety for this year's state runner-up team. Off the field, Valentine is a caring individual with a selfless attitude.

"For as long as I've known Ben, he has been a young man of faith," principal Tom Keating said. "His faith with God and Jesus is the most important relationship in his life. He lives out his faith in the decisions he makes, the way he treats others and the way he serves his community."

As a member of the Saints' 12-2 football team, Valentine accounted for 32 tackles and four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. This was his first year starting at free safety and he experienced many great memories during his football career.

"My favorite football memory was not necessarily one moment, game or practice," he said. "It was being able to be with my teammates to share a common goal and pushing through the grind of lifting, practices and games for them.

"Valentine has been inspired by his parents, siblings, coaches and priests to exemplify superior leadership on and off the field. He is involved in multiple clubs and activities at school, most notably serving as president of Student Senate and as an opinion writer for The Xpress, Xavier's student newspaper.

"Ben has realized the importance of keeping the 'big picture' in mind," Keating said. "He has always possessed great leadership skills and has reached the point where he puts his community and school in front of himself.

"Valentine hopes to be remembered as someone who treated everyone with respect and kept God as an important part of his life. He plans on carrying this mission statement on as he discerns entering the priesthood after high school.