Dec. 14, 2009

Garden City, N.Y. - Joe Benson has been through numerous obstacles from being a full time athlete and student as well as a member of the United States Marine Corps. No ordinary person can handle the amount of pressure and dedication that Benson has been involved with. Now a junior, he is dealing with college and lacrosse post-war, and he has adjusted back to the life of a college student.

In September 2008, Benson sacrificed his collegiate lacrosse career along with his education to serve and protect our country. He is a part of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, which was located in Al Anbar province close to the Syrian border in Iraq. For the seven months spent in Iraq, Benson was unsure of what could occur on a day-to-day basis patrolling that border.

Benson has now returned to Adelphi, and is looking to succeed in the classroom as well as on the lacrosse field. "Being back at school is tougher than I thought it was going to be. I am getting back into the swing of things though," he said. He is a history major currently working hard to graduate in Spring 2011.

Dealing with a full load of classes is tough enough, but taking on being a collegiate athlete takes dedication. "Playing lacrosse again is great, I was unsure if I would be able to again. I am truly happy that I am playing again," Benson explained. He was a member of the men's lacrosse team before departing for Iraq in September of `08.

"I think fall went well for me. It took a while to get back into it, but I am ready for the season to begin," he said. Benson is a specialist in face-offs for the men's lacrosse team. This spring, he will be looking to contribute as an athlete, after so many contributions as a Marine.

Adelphi Men's lacrosse opens its 2010 season on February 11, 2010, when they host Dominican (CA) at 4:00 p.m.

Sean Greene is a senior business management major at Adelphi University.