Former player addresses students

Kent Benson was the starting center of the 1976 undefeated IU team that won the NCAA Championship with a 32-0 record. But his message to IU students Thursday had nothing to do with basketball.\nBenson spoke to a small crowd in the State Room of the Indiana Memorial Union last Thursday expressing his pro-life views.\n"I've spoken to many universities over the years, but the sanctity of life is so vitally important," he said. \nBenson is running for Indiana secretary of state in 2002, but his message to IU students did not focus on his campaign. He focused on motivating the audience to continue their pro-life work. IU Students for Life, an organization working to educate and influence students about putting an end to abortion, invited Benson to speak.\nBenson called those working to end abortion "champions," and used this word as an acronym for the nine traits he says pro-life activists possess. Some of these traits include courage, honesty, persistence, integrity, and sacrifice. \n"God has given each and every one of us an opportunity to be everything we can be," Benson said. "We have an opportunity to be champions for life."\nHe also addressed other issues he believes should be changed before state government can improve.\n"There's a lack of leadership in Indiana government," Benson said. "We need teamwork. There are too many personal agendas." \nBenson gave his approval of local pro-life organizations, including the Crisis Pregnancy Center, 223 S. Pete Ellis Dr., and Hannah House, which provide counseling, childcare classes and prenatal care and supplies to those in need. He said the most important part of helping crisis pregnancies is the "education process," which includes information about adoption. He said he will not accept excuses or any view that condones abortion.\n"My position is that I believe in the sanctity of life," Benson said. "I'm just not willing to compromise."\nIUSFL Activism Director Patrick Baxter expected a larger audience. \n"(Benson) is an All-American and he is well-known," said Baxter. "There were some barriers to getting people here. For example, it was reported that it cost money to attend when it was actually free."\nBenson took advantage of the small audience by taking the time to personally address members of IUSFL he met during the reception prior to the speech. He told them to strive to meet their goals and asked them to pray for the nation. \nPresident of IUSFL Karl Born was not disappointed with the outcome of the event.\n"I've heard (Benson) speak before and I know that he has a good message," Born said. "I definitely want that kind of message brought to IU. I was happy with the speech and his presentation"