Caleb Hawley

OSU Sports Information

Ben Vigil (Fairview, Ore/ Reynolds H.S.) is a varsity member of the Oregon State Men’s Rowing team. He is majoring in communications and also has a minor in U.S. History. Ben is a very involved student with his rowing and extra-curricular activities. Ben also is able to manage a grade-point average that is above 3.0.

What got you into rowing?

I had a desire to find adventure and being able to travel with a team. My desire to keep competing after high school got me into OSU rowing.

When did you start rowing?

My freshman year in high school which would have been the 2002-2003 school year.

What do you enjoy most about rowing?

Winning races.

Do you have a favorite memory from competition you would like to share?

My freshman year we raced Washington and we were the first Oregon State boat to beat them in a lot of years.

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in?

I’m the Chaplain at Varsity House, that’s where I live. I’ve also spent some time at Campus Crusade for Christ.

What is the hardest part of being a student athlete?

Being able to separate your training with the effects it has on your body from your school.

What brought you to OSU?

I really liked the campus, it’s close to home. It’s affordable. And I was recruited for rowing, that was a big part.

Do you have a favorite memory outside of rowing at OSU that you could share?

When we go out for my house activities, we have a tradition of throwing people into fountains if it’s their birthday, or if they get a girlfriend, and we throw people in the river for their 21^st birthday.

What do you like to do for fun in your free time?

I like to play the guitar, I like to do some climbing, and I like to read. I also like to go to the beach and surf, and I like to ride dirt bikes.

What are your plans after college at OSU?

I’m going to Seminary at Multnomah to get my Masters Degree in Divinity and Theological Studies.