Over thirty years have passed since Ken Carruthers was a high school junior unsure of what path he would take for college. As a highly touted three sport high school athlete from just outside Chicago, Carruthers got the attention of many colleges at all levels. But it was a small Catholic college that won out in the end.

“Benedictine University [Illinois Benedictine College at that time], was the only school I visited, and it was close to home. The financial aid I received made the school affordable, and I was impressed when I met [football coach] Tom Beck [now a member of the College Coaches Hall of Fame],” Ken reflects. “I was also interested in Benedictine as a place I could play right away. In 1972, freshman weren’t getting playing time at D1 schools.”

In reflection, Carruthers attributes his achievements on and off the playing field to the experience he knew he could have only had as a student-athlete at Benedictine University. Benedictine offered strong academics, the chance to play multiple sports, and a school close to home, a necessity after his father passed away his senior year.

Carruthers wasted no time becoming active on campus and in the baseball and football programs.

“I was told that I could play as many sports as I wished. I had to manage my time, but since it was my time and my experience, I could do with it what I wanted,” Carruthers recalls. “In addition to the two sports, I was involved in the Black Student Association, a social group on campus through which I forged some incredible friendships. I was also active in the student government.”

Finishing college as a two-time football All-American with a degree in Sociology and minors in American Philosophy and Secondary Education, Carruthers was prepared for a teaching and coaching career, but first felt he should pursue his dream of professional athletics. Ken played semi-pro baseball and football, and was signed twice as a free agent in the NFL.

Carruthers now finds himself as an Area Vice President in sales for CorSoultions, Inc. in Chicago, a nationally recognized Health Intelligence Company. Carruthers attributes the success he has had for 21 years in the health care industry, as well as the experiences he had professionally with sports, to what was provided to him by the D3 experience.

“I have no idea where I would be today if it weren’t for my collegiate experience,” Carruthers emphasizes. “The D3 experience that I was afforded at Benedictine is and will continue to be priceless to me personally, spiritually and professionally.”