Kyle Benge
Nate Beron
Ben Haifley
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as well as a sister Karen, who is a graduate of the Naval Academy and is now in flight school. Kyle’s parents are both involved in education which helps explain his plans to major in Elementary Ed. He also intends on making coaching a component of his future career. His mom is a high school history teacher at Triton; Kyle’s dad is the Athletic Director at Plymouth High School.
When asked why Kyle chose Huntington, he was quick to respond that he wanted a Christian environment and as soon as he visited the HU campus and spent time with the players his mind was made up. He also said he was strongly influenced by Coach Platt and the way he runs the program.
Kyle seems to be making the transition from high school to Huntington smoothly. No doubt, with the help of his newfound “twin” (junior Jared Yoder). Several of the guys have commented how similar Jared and Kyle’s approach to life is.
That being said, I’ve been asked numerous times if I plan on staying involved with Forester basketball after Seth graduates. If Jared and Kyle really are that much alike you can count on my involvement for at least another three years. Kyle will need it.
NATE BERON - Freshman
I’m not quite sure how Coach Platt does it, but somehow he finds farm boys who can really play basketball. And he’s done it with Nate Beron, who hails from Bremen. For those who may be as geographically challenged as I am, let me put it this way. Bremen is 25 miles south of Notre Dame.
Nate graduated from Bremen High School with an academic honors diploma. He made me point that out (there’s nothing like being an only child who thinks it’s their job to boss you around). No problem; it’s something to be proud of and I’ll give you a pass this time, Nate.
He was also on the varsity track and cross country teams at Bremen High School as well as an eight-year member of the choir. I started to question Nate about that eight- year thing when he quickly pointed out that the time-frame started when he was still in middle school. What do you think, should we have Nate sing the National Anthem?
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Nate plans to major in business with a focus on accounting, following in his mom’s shoes; she is an accountant in Goshen.
Nate’s dad farms several hundred acres back in Bremen where he kept Nate busy working over the summer. Nate is thankful his parents didn’t push him to get a job beyond helping on the farm. That allowed him to hit the weights, work on his game, and prepare for his freshman year at Huntington University.
Welcome to the Forest, Nate. We all look forward to getting to know you better over the course of this season.
BEN HAIFLEY - Freshman
Ben, younger brother of junior James Haifley, comes to HU from Homestead High School where he played basketball, of course, but he was a football player and a star on the soccer team, as well. It comes as no surprise if you’ve seen Ben; he’s a big bruiser. I’ve seen Ben in action during a couple of open gyms over the summer and he’s not afraid to bang in the lane to get a shot or grab a rebound.
Ben’s another freshman that won’t hesitate to step up and speak his mind. I’ve had the opportunity to talk with him on several occasions and he always demonstrates a sense of maturity, a trait that will serve him well as he pursues a degree in business at HU before going on to law school.
Ben is definitely the type of player we’ve come to expect of Coach Platt’s program. I’ll assure you, Ben will be an asset not only to the Forester program but to the entire HU community as well. We look forward to watching as you grow as a player and as an individual over the next four years.
TY RIDDLE - Freshman
We welcome Ty Riddle to Huntington from Muncie Central High School where he helped lead the Bearcats to the 4A State Championship tournament game.
I expect everyone will become acquainted with Ty’s parents and grandparents quickly; they are all anxious to get involved with the Forester basketball program. Accustomed to being “hands-on,” they were at the Harlan
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