Who was Ben Conken? College football player dies at 20 after cancer battle
Ben Conken, a University of West Florida football player, died Aug. 17 at age 20 after battling cancer. A 2024 Cottage Hill Christian Academy graduate, he played football, baseball and basketball before joining UWF. He was remembered for his athletic ability, strong character and kindness. His school and former team continue to mourn his loss.
Ben Conken, a University of West Florida (UWF) football player, passed away at the age of 20 after battling cancer. UWF Athletics confirmed his death, stating that he remained connected to the program after his diagnosis. Conken died on August 17, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Prior to joining UWF, he achieved notable success at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, Alabama, where he played multiple sports, including football, baseball, and basketball.
Conken was a standout athlete at Cottage Hill, playing as an outside linebacker and wide receiver. During his senior year, he recorded impressive statistics, including 85 tackles, 10 sacks, and five forced fumbles, earning him a spot on the Mobile Press-Register All-Coastal High School team. His classmates recognized his athletic prowess, with Conken being chosen as "most athletic" by his peers in his senior year. His football coach, Carvel Jones, remembered him as a hard-working and character-driven individual.
After graduating from Cottage Hill, Conken joined UWF's 2024 recruiting class as a linebacker. He stood at 6-foot-3 and weighed 205 pounds. Conken's cancer battle began shortly after he joined the Argonauts program in February 2024. Despite his illness, he continued to support the team and the university community. UWF Athletics announced his death on Facebook, expressing their deep sorrow and emphasizing that Conken would always remain a part of the UWF community.
Outside of football, Conken was known for his love of the outdoors. He began hunting and spending time on the water with his father and grandfather at the age of five, which helped shape his patience and discipline. His obituary described him as a competitive individual who valued fairness and sportsmanship. It also mentioned that during his illness, he learned valuable lessons from the people who cared for him, hoping to return the favor to others.
Conken died on August 17, 2024, at the age of 20. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at Cottage Hill Baptist Church.
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