Ben Mauk decides not to return to WFU for 2007 season

Posted Friday, February 2, 2007

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Quarterback to graduate in spring, pursue Master’s degree elsewhere

Winston-Salem, NC — Quarterback Ben Mauk has opted to complete his undergraduate requirements at Wake Forest this spring and pursue a Master’s degree at another school next fall.

Mauk has told the Wake Forest coaching staff that he plans to have a career in education as a teacher or coach and will attend a school that offers an advanced degree in education administration. Wake Forest does not offer that degree.

Mauk was Wake Forest’s starting quarterback in 2006 until suffering a dislocated shoulder and right arm in the team’s season-opening win against Syracuse. He underwent two surgeries at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center this fall to repair and stabilize his arm and shoulder.

The injury occurred in the third quarter of the Syracuse game with the score tied at 10. Mauk attempted to recover a fumble by diving head first after the loose ball. Mauk’s effort kept the ball alive, the Deacons recovered the fumble and two plays later, kicked the go-ahead field goal.

Mauk left that game having completed 14 of 21 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown. He led the Deacons on a 15-play, 96-yard scoring march on the first drive of the season. Mauk went 6-for-8 on that drive for 54 yards to five different receivers. The Deacons also converted three third down opportunities including a 14-yard touchdown pass to Willie Idlette.

In his Wake Forest career, Mauk played in 18 games for the Deacons and drew 10 starting assignments. In parts of three seasons, Mauk completed 54 percent of his passes for 1,522 yards and four touchdowns.

His first career pass as a Demon Deacon was an 85-yard touchdown strike to Jason Anderson in the 2004 season opener at Clemson. It tied the school record for the longest touchdown pass.

At Kenton Senior High School, Mauk set three national career passing records in completions (1,105), attempts (1,931) and yards (17,534) and was second with 179 career passing touchdowns. He set national records with 6,540 passing yards and 76 touchdowns through the air his senior season. Mauk was Gatorade’s 2002 State of Ohio Football Player of the Year and led the Wildcats to back-to-back state championships.