Central's Ben Wilhelm is presented with an award recognizing his status as a finalist for the US Army-Pro Football Hall of Fame Award for Excellence by representatives from the US Army and Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks on Wednesday.

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — On Wednesday morning, Thomas County Central multi-sport athlete Ben Wilhelm received an honor so prestigious that it’s represented by both American heroes fighting for freedom and legends from the football gridiron.

In front of a crowd that included teammates and coaches from Central’s basketball, baseball and football teams, Wilhelm was recognized for being a finalist for the US Army-Pro Football Hall of Fame Award for Excellence, one of just 25 in the nation.

“It’s unreal,” Wilhelm said. “It’s amazing. When my dad told me, I didn’t really believe him. I thought he was joking with me. Then it hit me — holy cow, there’s only 25 people and there’s like 50 million high school students. That was pretty special.”

As part of the honor, Wilhelm will visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in early August. It is there that the winner, who will earn a $2,500 scholarship, will be announced. Wilhelm will also get to take in the annual Hall of Fame Game and the enshrinement of the Class of 2018, which includes Terrell Owens, Ray Lewis, Randy Moss and Brian Urlacher, among others. 

On hand to help present the finalist award at Central on Wednesday was Pro Football Hall of Famer and Florida State alum Derrick Brooks, an 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker who helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their only championship in Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003. 

“When I found out it was Derrick Brooks, it was awesome because I love Florida State and my mom went there,” Wilhelm said. “She actually got to watch him play while she was there. He’s just a great guy.”

Brooks was a member of the Charlie Ward-led 1993 Seminoles team that won the national championship. He spoke to some of the current students of Ward’s alma mater about focus.

“It’s a tremendous honor every time I get to be a part of this ceremony, celebrating young student athletes across the country,” Brooks said. “The partnership with the US Army and the Pro Football Hall of Fame shows that this investment is worth it. That’s what they’re doing by having this award. They recognize more than just athletic accomplishment — it’s really about the whole body of what these young people are doing.

“(Ben) seems to be a very focused young man. Very impressive at an early age. As a lifeguard, he’s saved a life already. That’s heroism at its best.”

For Wilhelm, the award was made even more special because of the history his family has with the military. Ben’s grandfather enlisted when he was just 17 years old to serve in the Navy, and there have been others in the family that have served as well.

Bill Wilhelm, Ben’s father and longtime Central football assistant, and principal Trista Jones were awarded plaques for their roles in fostering America’s youth.

Ben is excited to take his trip to Canton, where he will represent Thomas County at a prestigious hall of legends.

“I always wanted to represent the city where I grew up,” he said. “Thomas County Central is my second home. To be able to represent them with this award is amazing, putting them on the map.”