Grad student wins on and off the basketball court
College of Engineering graduate student Ben Thornton wraps up the academic year with a College Wheelchair Basketball National Championship title.
For University of Arizona engineering management graduate student Ben Thornton, the third time at the College Wheelchair Basketball National Championship was the charm. The U of A Men’s College Wheelchair Basketball Team won the championship following two consecutive losses in previous championship games.
Thornton came to U of A on an athletic scholarship after high school and is the team captain. Next year will be the final year of Thornton’s athletic eligibility and his graduate studies, after which he plans to pursue a career in project management in the construction industry.
Balancing academics and athletics has been a challenge, but with hard work, perseverance and support from his teammates, Thornton rose to the occasion.
“It’s your job to decide whether you want to sit at home or you want to go and chase your dreams,” Thornton said.