Ben Tamm: The Wait Is Over

Feature story by Larry Scott

The wait is over.

When Concordia celebrates Homecoming on Saturday it will eagerly welcome back those magical Cobbers of yesteryear. It will also greet Bethel University in an MIAC showdown that may largely shape the ultimate conference finish and postseason playoff berths as well. There are clearly plenty of reasons to rejoice, but there is also the matter of a little unfinished business for the Cobbers.

Last fall Bethel pinned a painful 15-14 loss on Concordia when a bizarre call on the game's final play gave the Royals extended life. Bethel cashed in and scored the game-winning touchdown with no time remaining on the clock. It ultimately removed the Cobbers from the title chase and a trip to postseason play - and they haven't forgotten.

Cobber head coach Terry Horan admits Saturday's sequel should generate a little additional emotional fire.

"It's a big game, we're excited about it and I don't have to say a lot to get our kids motivated. Throw in homecoming and last year's game; you couldn't pick a better scenario one year later. Last year is last year, but I would be lying if I didn't say (the loss) has been sitting in the gut of every player. Bethel is a different team and we're a different team, but the traditions are the same and you're not going to find a better matchup, two unbeaten, nationally-ranked teams."

Senior offensive tackle Ben Tamm clearly remembers what happened a year ago and readily admits he has been waiting months for the chance for a little redemption. "I don't know if anybody is really over it. You want to beat every team, but the way it happened. . . It was more than just a loss, and we continually saw the repercussions."

While purging last year's painful loss has been a constant source of motivation for 2014, Tamm and his football pals knew it was critical to take care of business in the early part of the season. They opened with non-conference victories over Jamestown and Buena Vista and then dispatched league rivals St. Olaf and St. John's. The 4-0 start has set the appropriate stage for a meeting of the two unbeaten heavyweights.

Tamm is well aware the Royals will pose a serious challenge on Saturday, revenge aside. "They are fifth in the nation, and you don't get that way by (just) reputation. Their middle linebacker, Seth Mathis, is an absolute stud, one of the best football players I have ever seen. We'll try and get somebody on him on every play, and he will be my responsibility at times."

A native of Avon and a multi-sport athlete at Albany High School, Tamm had to endure some serious health challenges, but has developed into a rock solid 6-4, 255-pound source of up front protection.

"I played football, basketball and baseball in high school," said Tamm. "I was all-conference and captain in football and basketball. I loved football and basketball, but thought I could compete more in football. I was about a buck ninety-five in high school; I had some health issues that hindered my weight---a ruptured appendix--- and had to get it taken out the summer before I came up here."

While many in the area opt for nearby St. Cloud State and St. John's, Tamm was ready to relocate. "My older sister went here and I knew the area. I came and visited her and liked it. Coach Horan visited and sold me. I loved the campus and the tradition."

Horan clearly saw something in Tamm, and has been most impressed with Tamm's willingness to work hard to reach his goals.

"When I think of Ben Tamm, I think of his work ethic. Not only is he a bright kid, but he came from a similar system. He wasn't very big for an offensive lineman, but he's probably our most dedicated lifter and has built himself into a strong offensive lineman. He's played about every spot on the line, and I would sure like to have five guys like him across the offensive line," said Horan.

Tamm realizes there are many hurdles ahead, including a date with national power St. Thomas, but insists the Cobbers won't ditch their workmanlike approach. ("We know) St. Thomas is down the road, but we're going to handle it week by week.

Graduation clearly removed the bulk of last year' starting cast, and that the rebuilt Cobbers are even in the championship chase this fall is something of a mystery to many. "I was the only guy with experience up front," Tamm said. "We lost (MIAC MVP) Brett Baune, a real workhorse, but the line has stepped up and the young guys have been great."

Tamm also understands it's time for him to take a larger leadership role. "We really didn't have any set leaders coming back, but week-by-week the young players are getting better so you have to help out. I played left guard and right tackle last year, and it was great to have Tom Knowlton, an All-American there to help me out. Now, I have to do that."

It is clear that Tamm has found a home at Concordia, and it goes beyond the success on the field.

"The wins are big, but what I'll remember most is all the guys. Since I've been here we've had about 120-plus guys on the team each year, so I've gained over 250 new friends. There's sense of family and you love the guys you play with; it's a testament to what these years have been about."

Tamm is well aware he is approaching the twilight of his collegiate career, and he admits the separation will be difficult. "I love the sport, too, and once you're done playing football you done there is nothing like it. And that a hard pill to swallow."

He doesn't even plan to start thinking about an exit strategy until after the playoffs. There's too much new business to take care of, starting with the Royals.