Meet Ben Tuttle

Name, Age: Ben Tuttle, 11

Class Year: Grade 6

Sport, Position: Basketball, Power forward

Why’s Ben Tuttle the Patch Player of the Week?

Ben Tuttle is one of the few 6th graders that is dedicated, hardworking and has a "don’t mess around" attitude when it comes to sports. Tuttle stays active all year round, playing football, basketball and lacrosse, though he admits he enjoys playing football the most. Currently, Tuttle is playing basketball for the Milford Hawks’ 6^th grade travel team under head coach Shawn Fallon and although the team isn’t having the best year, Tuttle is happy to “have just won at least one game.”

Though Tuttle plays the power forward position on the court and does a good job at the position, it’s more of how he holds himself that allows him to stand out from the crowd. He is hard working, an effective listener—doing exactly what he’s told by his coaches—and always gives 100 percent effort, regardless of whether the team is winning or losing.

Tuttle is a special player, one that every coach wishes they had on their team and has been described by Fallon as “a model player for a guy to coach and a joy to be around.”

What college or professional athlete do you consider to be your role model?

My favorite player is Peyton Manning because he doesn’t blame other people on his team for his mistakes and he has good sportsmanship. (Ben is also an Indianapolis Colts fan.)

What is your most memorable experience as an athlete so far?

My favorite play was when I scored my first football touchdown in American Youth Football. It was this year in Ayer/Shirley and we were up like 42-0 and I got to run the ball and I scored from 32-yards away. I don’t usually get to run the ball because I block. (Ben’s a fullback.)

What are your plans for the future academically and athletically?

I want to do well in school so I can go to a good college and play football there and basketball maybe, too.