QB Ben Mauk
(Cincinnati Commandos, CIFL)
by Todd Patrick Coleman:
As today’s athlete loses touch with reality and history, one begins to wonder if there are any role models left. I think I found one, and his name is Ben Mauk. This former UC, Wake Forest and current Cincinnati Commandos quarterback gives his thoughts on several issues and shows why everyone should be pulling for him. Entering the interview, I had respect for Mauk simply because of what he had to overcome in college. After completing the interview I found a sense of honor in him and have no doubt that he will succeed at whatever he puts his mind toward. This young man not only shows appreciation for his family and friends, he holds a special place in his heart for our country. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to ask him some questions and I hope that you enjoy what came out.
TPC- What was your Major at Wake Forest/UC, and why did you choose it?
BM- (Wake Forest) Secondary Social Studies Education. I love American History and learning about our forefathers. My father is a high school teacher, so I grew up in the school and have always admired how he has an impact on kids’ lives.
- (UC) Criminal Justice. I have always been interested in the FBI and decided that this would be a good opportunity to better my understanding of the criminal justice field. Also, the University of Cincinnati has one of the best Criminal Justice programs in the country.
TPC- What were or are the differences between the ACC and Big East Conferences, on and off the field?
BM- (On the field) There were many differences for me because I was involved in two very different offensive philosophies. College defenses tend to be the same, running the same coverages and blitzes, so a lot of times I was focused on the similarities rather than the differences. For instance, North Carolina State and South Florida are very similar in their personnel and defensive philosophies.
- (Off the field) The biggest difference off the field is the fans. Many students in the ACC attend games dressed in 3-piece suits and sun dresses as if they’re attending a social event. Students in the Big East are more apt to paint their chest and face and scream the whole game.
TPC- How frustrating was it to deal with the NCAA, not once but twice, in regards to you gaining additional years of eligibility and what was their rationale for turning you down the second time?
BM- The most frustrating thing about dealing with the NCAA is that the committee who decides whether or not you deserve a MEDICAL hardship waiver for a season of sports is made up of 5 people that have no medical background or medical education or training. They base their decisions solely off of the information they are provided, without any medical expertise??? The doctor that performed the surgery on my toe after my senior year of high school (before my first year at Wake Forest) is based in Columbus and stated that I would not have been able to participate fully until 9 months after the surgery. Because he was not a Wake Forest doctor, his statement was thrown out the window. So the doctor that actually performed the surgery never cleared me to play, but because I passed the basic entry level physical at Wake Forest, I was considered healthy. The physical had no tests on my toe or ankle; it was the basic “check your eyes, ears, heart” and move on. Wake Forest couldn’t even confirm who the doctor was that signed off on my physical. It was just a big mess, and ended up in the end with the NCAA asking my former quarterback coach whether or not he remembered if I was able to play that first year. Note, the quarterback coach was the Offensive Coordinator at West Virginia, UC’s rival, at the time the NCAA approached him. I’m sure he was ready to do anything possible to help give me the opportunity to play my 4th year of college football at UC. It’s not hard to make it through practices as an injured redshirt freshman (you don’t do anything). My advice to any college athletes is to not be tough if something is bothering you; complain to the training staff as much as possible; and make sure they WRITE DOWN every time you complain. If you don’t, it will come back to bite you. I didn’t want to lose my scholarship because I was injured (yes, scholarships are decided upon by the coaching staff if they want to renew it or not every spring), so I made it through practices, however, if called upon to play in a game I would not have been able to protect myself. You don’t realize how important your big toe is until you don’t have full strength in it. I wish the NCAA committee would have been medically-trained.
TPC- What attracted you to the Cincinnati Commandos, and has it lived up to your expectations?
BM- The fact that I would be playing with a lot of former teammates and in the city of Cincinnati. I love it here. My expectation was to win a championship. That is still up in the air, but we’re definitely headed in the right direction.
TPC- Has it been an easy transition to the indoor game, and does being back on the field with Goodman, Jackson, and Byrd help?
BM- It is a tough transition because the game is so much faster, but having Goodie, Jackson, Byrd and the rest of my teammates definitely helps. I just get the ball in our play-makers’ hands as fast as possible.
TPC- What about the Commandos offense makes it so conducive to your game?
BM- Our fast-paced tempo. It is very similar to the pace at UC, so that part made it an easy transition. We try to get as many plays off and make it as fun for the fans as possible. No one wants to come to a game and watch a team stand in a huddle the whole game.
TPC- After watching several of your games, it appears that you guys are clicking on all cylinders. Does that have more to do with talent or familiarity?
BM- I think a lot of it has to do with familiarity. I’m comfortable with all of our receivers. There’s only a limited number of receivers on our team, so we get a lot of reps in practice and have time to develop that chemistry. Once I get the ball in their hands, their talent takes over and they make plays.
TPC- With one of the CIFL’s best defenses behind you, how realistic is it to think that you guys will run the table and finish the season undefeated?
BM- Well, we’re just taking it one game at a time. We obviously want to win every game we play, but we keep focus one week at a time. Once you start looking ahead, you get beat. We only worry about what we can control, and that is winning games.
TPC- What impact has the Commandos affiliation with the Thank You Foundation had on you or any of the other guys in the locker room?
BM- It has made a huge impact. We love partnering up with the Thank You Foundation and the support of our troops. We wouldn’t be able to play, I wouldn’t be able to do this interview, we wouldn’t have any freedoms we have today if it weren’t for them. It’s not possible to show enough appreciation to the men and women that serve our country. They are the heroes.
TPC- With the numbers you and the Commandos are putting up in the CIFL, are there any plans to change leagues in the coming years (AFL2, etc)?
BM- I know individually, everyone wants to move up to the next level, and ultimately the NFL. Playing in the CIFL allows teams to see that we’re still healthy and gives us a chance to send out film from the games to teams at the next level. As long as you’re still playing, they’re still watching. As far as the Commandos, I have no idea. I know you can’t hold back a team that wins every game and has as big of a fan base as we do, but, again, you only worry about what you can control. For us, that is just winning games.
TPC- Is there any truth to articles stating that you are the Offensive Coordinator at Western Brown High School, and if so, how did you get involved with them?
BM- If I am not playing football anywhere this fall, I will be working as the Offensive Coordinator at Western Brown High School. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with such a good group of kids. Brandon Boehm, one of our receivers for the Commandos, coaches there as well so he got me involved. Shout out to Alex Steele, WBHS’s graduate assistant next fall!
TPC- What are your plans for the upcoming NFL/CFL seasons?
BM- I’m hoping to sign on with someone. If not in the NFL or CFL, then possibly in the UFL. Playing professional football is my dream, and while I’m still at a young age, I’d like to try and attain those dreams. Playing in the CIFL has opened up some doors for me, so we’ll see what happens.
TPC- Who is your agent, and has he made you aware of any teams interest?
BM- Charles Henry Sports Agency, specifically Kelly Cook, works with me. He is on the phone working his hardest to try to get me to the next level. Hopefully I have proven I am fully healthy and will get a shot with someone in the near future.
TPC- What charities do you promote, and how can people help?
BM- Right now, I try to get involved as much as I can with the Thank You Foundation. The biggest thing that people can do is to just keep supporting our troops and letting them know how much we appreciate them. There’s not a greater adrenaline rush than when military veterans are honored in a public setting. http://www.thethankyoufoundation.org/
TPC- What interest/s do you have that people would be surprised to hear?
BM- I love to read. I love to read the Bible and American History books.
TPC- Finally, how will your Bearcats fare in the post – Kelly era, and what are your impressions of Zach Collaros?
BM- As long as Zach Collaros is playing, UC is in good hands. I know no greater competitor. Coach Kelly is an unbelievable coach with a genius, Coach Charley Molnar, as his Offensive Coordinator. They will both always be successful, and fans should be appreciative of their time here. I believe that Coach Jones, however, is prepared to take UC to the next level, the National Championship level. It is definitely a good time to be a Bearcat fan. If we can just get my little brother to get down here after Collaros, it could be a good stretch of 6 years in the national spotlight!