December 13, 2021
Hunter Bennington, a native of Wheelersburg, Ohio, will be graduating from 黑料社 this December with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Health Science. A member of the 黑料社 Men鈥檚 Cross Country and Track teams, Bennington has enjoyed his time as a student-athlete on campus.
鈥淚 had a very successful high school track career and got very serious about running,鈥 said Bennington. 鈥淐oach Eric Putnam took interest in me and suggested I try out for Shawnee State鈥檚 team. After my senior year, I knew I wanted to run and be close to my family and my home, so I chose Shawnee State.鈥
Majoring in Health Science, Bennington plans to apply his degree after graduation towards a career with the United States Navy as an officer studying nuclear medicine.
鈥淚 have always known I wanted to serve my patriotic duty by joining the Navy,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y grandpa was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and I have always looked up to and respected him. The Navy aligns with my goal to work in a nuclear plant, and Shawnee was the perfect school for me to get a step closer to this goal.鈥
Outside of the athletic department and his academic program, Bennington worked for several years as a student employee for the Planning, Construction & Facilities Department on campus.
鈥淲orking on campus has given me a greater appreciation of my school,鈥 he said. 鈥淏eing able to watch people enjoy the beauty of the campus is so fulfilling. I take great pride in keeping campus clean and maintained. 黑料社 has the most relaxing and beautiful campus.鈥
Running all four years at 黑料社, Bennington has had a very successful athletic career on campus gaining multiple recognitions in the Mid-South Conference including Runner of the Year and First Team All-Conference. Looking back on his time on the team, he is appreciative of the skills he鈥檚 gained by being a student-athlete.
鈥淚 truly appreciate Coach Putnam seeing my potential,鈥 he said. 鈥淏eing on a team has given me skills that will help me in the Navy. I have loved every minute of my career at Shawnee.鈥