March 21, 2004

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Quarterback Ben Huebschman (pronounced HIPSCH-mon), who was the 2002 Associated Press Class 4A State Player of the Year, has enrolled at Western Washington University and will participate in spring football practice beginning April 5 according to Viking head coach Rob Smith.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Huebschman is a transfer from University of Washington where he was a walk-on redshirt last season.

"He was our No.1 quarterback recruit a year ago and decided to go elsewhere," said Smith. "Now he's coming here, so we'll give him a shot and see what he can do."

Huebschman was a first-team all-state selection by the Washington State Sportswriters Association, Tacoma News Tribune, Seattle Times and Washington Prep Football Report as a senior at Mountain View Hight School in Vancouver. He also was the Vancouver Columbian Area Offensive Player of the Year and Greater St. Helens League co-Player of the Year.

Huebschman passed for a state record 3,405 yards and 36 touchdowns, helping the Thunder to a 10-3 record and the semifinals of the state playoffs. He completed 23-of-27 passes for 272 yards and five touchdowns in a 40-14 state quarterfinal win over Kentridge, and passed for 396 yards against Hudson's Bay.

As a junior, Huebschman directed Mountain View to a 9-3 record and the state semifinals as well as a league title. He was the GSHL Player of the Year.