Ben Siegfried '22, M'23, excelled on and off the field during his time at Lebanon Valley College and made a positive impact on those he encountered. The College's students, faculty, and staff who experienced Siegfried's kindness and tremendous work ethic strive to pass on what it means to #BeLikeBen.
 
Siegfried played on the Lebanon Valley College Football team for five years and pursued a master's in Athletic Training from the College. He found success as a defensive lineman, contributing to the Dutchmen reaching the postseason in 2022. Siegfried was also dedicated to working toward a career as an Athletic Trainer and completed a clinical placement with the XFL. While finishing his master's degree, he passed away in March 2023 from sudden cardiac arrest. 
 
Siegfried's legacy lives on through his Dutchmen teammates, who have adopted the mantra #BeLikeBen. This phrase is printed on each player's helmet and serves as a reminder of how they can approach life as student-athletes. 
 
"His work ethic, determination, and positive attitude were contagious," said strong safety Alex Brown '26. "On and off the field, Ben made sure to make every moment count. He did all the little things right; he was a true leader and role model. He juggled his responsibilities of school, work, practice, and lifting while still finding time for family and friends."
 
Joe Buehler '89 served as the Head Coach of LVC's Football team during Siegfried's years with the program and recalled many fond memories. The former coach expressed that he was impressed by Siegfried's love for the College and his desire to make a difference.
 
"Even though he was this powerful player, he had kindness in his heart, and he was always in a happy mood," Buehler said. "He connected with everybody he met and always wanted to make others feel included. I've heard stories from many players about how Ben made them feel welcomed."
 
Defensive tackle Jake Marcus '24 shared many memorable moments with Siegfried as a teammate and friend. Marcus has carried on Siegfried's legacy in the program and received the first two Ben Siegfried Memorial Awards. This award is presented to a defensive lineman who personifies what it means to #BeLikeBen, by loving their teammates and coaches through ups and downs and having a relentless desire to get better every day.
 
"Ben was like a brother to me from day one," Marcus said. "We would lift together, compete on the field, and he would help me understand the defense in my early years. Knowing Ben as a friend was even better. He would ask how I was doing and notice when something was wrong. He was always there for me and was the first to celebrate with me on and off the field."
 
Brown was teammates with Siegfried during his first season with the Dutchmen in 2022 and echoed a similar sentiment regarding the defensive lineman's ability to make his fellow players feel included. 
 
"During preseason camp, I was eating dinner alone in the cafeteria, and Ben could sense that I was feeling out of place and upset," Brown said. "He decided to come over and sit with me. We ate dinner and talked for a couple of hours, even after the team had left. He made sure that I knew everything was going to be okay and that he would be there for me no matter the time or day."
 
Defensive end Noah Caldani '24 played with Siegfried for three years and shared how his teammate's positive attitude helped create a strong culture in the program. 
 
"We work tirelessly to keep Ben's spirit alive in our locker room," Caldani said. "Those who knew him spread his joy and message to those who did not know him. They felt his presence through our upperclassmen. He continues to touch lives, and for that, #BeingLikeBen is the greatest achievement we can strive for."
 
Siegfried made an equal impact in the classroom as an Athletic Training major. He was very successful, completing clinical placements with multiple area high schools and the XFL's St. Louis Battlehawks and DC Defenders. 
 
"Ben was a great Athletic Training student," said Dr. Eva Frank, Director and Associate Professor of Athletic Training. "He always worked hard and never cut corners. Another thing that stood out about Ben was his passion for athletic training. His entire being wanted to be an Athletic Trainer, and he was so deeply committed to becoming one. His passion was refreshing."
 
The Athletic Training Program established a fund in Siegfried's honor, which supports a second-year Athletic Training graduate student with financial assistance to pursue their clinical experience. Dr. Frank said the program is proud to have a fund that shares his story and honors his legacy. The program honors Siegfried through the #BeLikeBen Legacy Series this March during National Athletic Training Month. The series offers two Continuing Education Unit (CEU) events for local Athletic Trainers to maintain their certification. The program plans to continue holding at least one of these events each March.
 

 The LVC community continues to carry on Siegfried's legacy of being a true teammate, whether on the field, in the classroom, or on the sidelines as an Athletic Trainer. 
 
"Ben was the best teammate someone could have," Caldani said. "He constantly had a smile and a positive attitude even when things weren't going his way. He was a constant reminder that there were good people in the world and people who care about you and love you unconditionally."

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