Ben Conken, a University of West Florida football player, has died at 20 after battling cancer. UWF Athletics confirmed his death, saying he remained connected to the Argonauts program after his diagnosis. Conken died on Aug. 17 surrounded by family and friends. Before joining UWF, he built a strong record at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, Alabama, where he played several sports and became known for both his ability and character.
Who was Ben Conken? His background, school career and football journey
Ben Conken grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and spent most of his school years at Cottage Hill Christian Academy. According to FOX10, he started at the school in pre-K and graduated in 2024. Football and baseball were among the sports he played there, while his obituary also says he played basketball.Football became an important part of Conken’s high school years. He played as an outside linebacker and wide receiver, and his senior season was especially strong. The University of West Florida Athletics said he finished that year with 85 tackles, 10 sacks and five forced fumbles. Those numbers helped him earn a place on the Mobile Press-Register All-Coastal High School team.His classmates also recognized his athletic ability. FOX10 reported that Conken was chosen as “most athletic” by his classmates during his senior year. The school’s football coach, Carvel Jones, also remembered him for what he was like away from the field, describing him as a hard worker and a person with strong character.After graduating from Cottage Hill, Conken moved on to college football. He signed with the University of West Florida as part of its 2024 recruiting class. UWF listed him as a linebacker who was 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds. The school welcomed him to the Argonauts program in February 2024.
Ben Conken joined UWF before his cancer battle changed his path
Conken’s time with the West Florida football program took a difficult turn soon after he arrived. UWF Athletics said he began his battle with cancer shortly after joining the team. Even while dealing with the illness, the school said he continued to support the Argonauts.UWF Athletics shared the news of his death on Facebook, writing, “We are deeply saddened to share the loss of a fellow Argo, Ben Conken. Shortly after joining our program, he began a hard fought battle with cancer but continued to show his support for UWF. He will forever remain a member of this team and an Argo for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who knew and loved him.”Conken’s obituary also focused on his life outside football. It described him as an outdoorsman who began hunting and spending time on the water with his father and grandfather when he was five. It said those experiences helped shape his patience and discipline.The obituary added that Conken was competitive but cared about fairness and sportsmanship. It described him as someone who believed in “get up and do something” and said he tried to learn from the people who cared for him during his illness so he could help others in return.Conken died Aug. 17 at 20. His former school and UWF have remembered him as a student-athlete whose life extended well beyond his football career. FOX10 reported that funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, at Cottage Hill Baptist Church.
