GORHAM, Maine –  Becoming just the second individual male national champion last winter at the 2022 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championship, University of Southern Maine sophomore Ben Drummey (Biddeford, Maine) will be honored by the Huskies' Athletic Department and the University of Southern Maine on Saturday, September 10 at halftime of the Huskies' women's soccer game vs. University of New England. 
 
A two-time NCAA Division III All-American, Drummey earned his spot atop the podium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina as the top Division III collegiate student-athlete in the pole vault. Drummey is the second member of the Huskies' men's indoor track & field team to earn the distinction of National Champion, joining former Southern Maine great Jamie Ruginski who won a pair of titles in the triple jump. Drummey is also just the second Southern Maine pole vaulter to win indoor All-American honors, joining Will Snyder who accomplished the feat in 2004. 
 
Drummey will be honored for his remarkable achievement by the University of Southern Maine Department of Athletics during a ring ceremony at halftime of the Huskies' women's soccer game versus University of New England at Hannaford Field in Gorham.  The game is slated to begin at 3:00 pm. Drummey will be joined by his family, including his father Mike Drummey, who is an assistant coach for the men's and women's program focusing on vaults.
 
"Ben's remarkable and rare achievement is certainly worthy of a celebration," said Director of Athletics Al Bean. "Winning a national championship is the culmination of dedication, hard-work and sacrifice. Ben's success has been a shining example of the best attributes of what it means to be a University of Southern Maine Husky.  I hope our fans, fans of the sports and our community will join us in celebration of Ben and his accomplishments."  
Drummey earned the title in a head-to-head battle with several top challengers. After passing on his first four attempts, Drummey cleared the 4.85 meter mark on his second attempt to secure at least a top 10 finish.  Continuing to move up the leader board, Drummey cleared 5.00 meters on his second attempt at the height to pull himself into fourth place, and securing the title of All-American for the second time in his career.  With the title on the line, Drummey's performance at the 5.05 meter mark, clearing the vault in his first attempt, pushed him past challenger Joe O'Connor of Washington and Lee. 
 
"I'm looking forward to the chance to celebrate and honor Ben in front of his peers, family and the University," said Southern Maine cross country and track & field coach Rob Whitten.  "Ben is a tremendously talented individual, and a great representative for our team and the sport.  There are not many student-athletes who can call themselves a National Champion – especially as a sophomore.  I look forward to seeing what Ben can do over the remainder of his career."
 
In addition to his athletic achievements, Drummey has also been honored for his outstanding work in the classroom and was named to the 2022 United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team. Drummey is a Nursing major at the University of Southern Maine.