Work Hard, All Day Long is the motto that the Wartburg Central Bulldogs break huddles on. It is posted in their weight room, on their t-shirts and etched into the hearts and minds of every player there. One player who has typified this more than any other is Benny Shoemaker.

Benny is a senior and a starter at the right tackle position at the size of 5'11" and 212 pounds. What makes his situation special that this is the first time since his freshman year that he has not been rehabbing a shoulder after surgery. In the spring of 2006 during his freshman year, he injured his right shoulder during a tackling drill and had a lateral tear that had to be surgically repaired. Although he missed his sophomore year as a player, he continued to work with the team as a videographer while he rehabbed the shoulder.

Then once he was cleared, he reinjured the same shoulder during soccer winter workouts and had to have the shoulder completely repaired and supplemented with equine tendon. He had his second surgery on May 1st and through hard work, rehab and the dedication of many support people, he returned to the practice field September 1st, 2008. Now the loss of 18 months of lifting and off season work meant that upon his return, he might see varsity action, but was more likely to play JV with the freshman.

Never complaining and always with a great effort, he worked hard every day. Finally at week 8, he was called on to start after an injury left an open spot on the offensive line. He held his own and was able to make a great contribution to the effort that night. The next week he was back with the JV squad and simply waiting and preparing himself for this year.

Benny is a 4.0 student, leader in his class, and volunteers at the local head start to work with younger children. As a result, he has touched the lives of so many with his simple smile and his work ethic. While many would have found a reason not to work hard and return to the playing field, Benny demanded more of himself so that he could compete in the great game of football. As a result I feel he is a shining example of the spirit of the Rudy Award.