The popular proverbial phrase, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” can be used to describe the attitude of a Xavier senior as he makes an effort to put his best foot forward both on and off the football field.

Ben Conrad has teamed up with the Kick-It Champions Foundation in order to help raise awareness for pediatric cancer. This particular charity is upheld by its slogan, “Turning Season Stats into Research Dollars.”

A portion of the proceeds received by the Kick-It Champions Foundation go to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a similar organization.

The partnership benefits all those who are unable to play football because of their encounter with childhood cancer. Therefore, giving fans the opportunity to pledge either a one-time donation or specific amount for each point scored during Conrad’s 2018 season.

“That’s what Xavier is all about. We try to lead on the field and off the field,” Conrad said in an interview shared via local Sports Director Zach Hanley. “Using my skills, I’ve helped raise over thirteen hundred dollars towards pediatric cancer.”

What makes Conrad’s participation in their program so unique is that it is personal.

In addition to kicking-it for cancer, he is also, kicking-it for a family friend’s child who has been diagnosed. Considering the many who know Conrad, this augmentation does not come as a surprise.

“He works at practice and his craft and cares about his teammates,” Xavier Head Football Coach Duane Schulte said. “I coached Ben in baseball when he was in eighth grade, and he helped his team win a USSSA State Championship. He hasn’t changed at all since then.”

Conrad’s contribution extends beyond that of a win for the Saints and onto saving the lives of all those unable to participate in the sport.

Through hard work, perseverance and dedication, Conrad is able to make the task of turning lemons into lemonade just a little easier, one kick at a time.