Rushing home from my evening train Tuesday, I found myself both proud and excited to capture a glimpse of the best basketball player in Albert Lea history, Ben Woodside. Seeing Ben play in front of a national television audience and sink the game winning basket for his Division I basketball team made me proud to claim him as a fellow Albert Lea native.

I think I share a collective sentiment in the desire to read more about our hometown hero. The Albert Lea Tribune has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide all of us with a vicarious peek into the preparations the young Mr. Woodside is making to go to the “Big Dance.”

How about some daily coverage on his road to the tournament? A quick phone call or e-mail to him once a day to capture his thoughts and aspirations would give Albert Lea youngsters insight into the type of role model they need right now.

Here’s to Ben and his Bison going deep in the tournament.

Scott Erickson

Albert Lea High School

class of 1995

Barrington, Ill.