“And that is how to eat a potato” says the 8th grade science teacher Mr. Ben Schopp. Everyone can always use a good old life lesson here and there, and for the students who took his course back in 8th grade, we can all agree that he always had a good life lesson to be told. He has talked about everything from how to “properly eat a potato”, to how to “get away from a kidnapper.” When we asked him why he gives these fun and educational “how to’s” he simply answered, “Minnesota kids should be properly educated.” Other than being a science teacher, Schopp is also the Cannon Falls track and cross country coach. “Schopp just always has something goofy to say” says a track runner Zach Siebenaler.

Even though he always has something funny to say, he also has good advice. “I don’t care if you run really slow, just do not walk” is one of the things he says during cross country season, and it helps a lot of people to keep pushing through their run. Along with his stories about life and his coaching career, he also has a witty sense of humor. One example of this was at the 2013 homecoming crowning when he was asked to give a speech about Cross Country. He walked right up to the king, Dylan Safe, and switched places leaving Schopp on the throne, and Safe standing by the podium, which everyone found really amusing as he gave his speech. Whether people think the life lessons are educational or just random stories, I think we can all agree that they were always something to look forward to, along with his funny sense of humor!