Since arriving on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus in 2003 as a transfer from the University of Northern Iowa, Ben Bowditch has emerged as one of the top offensive guards in the North Central Conference. Bowditch's play along with that of the entire Bulldog offensive front is one of the major, albeit overlooked, reasons for UMD's 6-1 overall start this fall. The 6-4, 290-pound Evansville, Wis. native is just as active off the field as he is involved in a number of community service endeavors.

HIS FAVORITES

Opponent: North Dakota

Opponent Stadium: The Alerus Center (North Dakota)

Road Trip: Omaha, Neb.

Professional Athlete: Larry Allen (Dallas Cowboys)

Professional Team: Green Bay Packers

Pastime: Listening to Music

College Course: Education in Modern Society

Prized Possession: My grandfather's flask

Movie: The Big Lebowski

Book: As I Lay Dying (by William Faulkner)

Television Show: Seinfeld

Singer/Group: Trampled by Turtles

Food: Steak

Restaurant: Great American Bar and Grill

Vacation Spot: Boston

Web Site: www.collegehumor.com

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

Why I Chose UMD: The coaching staff and the school's great football tradition

First Played Football: Fifth grade

Football Strength/Weakness: My consistency/My speed

Game Day Ritual: I don't really have one

Most Memorable Football Moment: My first college game

Pet Peeve: Lazy people

Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Mahatma Gandhi

My First Job: Bailing hay when I was 12 years old

What Most People Don't Know About Me: I want to own a farm someday

Biggest Fear: Dying young

My Advice To An Aspiring Athlete: Strive for greatness

If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I'd like to have a bigger lower body

Influences On My Athletic Career: My family and friends

Something I Never Leave Home Without: My keys

Sport I'd Like to Try Someday: Sailing

Post-UMD Plans: Teach kindergarten