Ben Zalas surveys J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium during the Oct. 22 Homecoming game against UW-Whitewater.
Back in 1970, Ben Zalas was asked if he would like to help out in the press box by running the score board during the upcoming University of Wisconsin Oshkosh football season.
Forty-one seasons later, Zalas is still holding down the job for the Titan’s home football games.
The long-time Oshkosh resident turns 90 this November, and he decided that this will be his final season up in the press box at J.J.Keller Field.
“I spoke earlier this year with Darryl Sims, Athletic Director at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and told him that this would be my final season,” Zalas said. “I said that I’ve enjoyed a great run working for the university but that maybe it’s time to turn the job over to a younger man… possibly someone in his 70s or 80s.”
UW Oshkosh and Titans Athletics will recognize Zalas’s long service to the University during halftime of the Saturday, Oct. 29 home football game against UW-La Crosse at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
“Ben has been a great example of heart, dependability and dedication of not only our staff but also our student-athletes,” Sims said. “The department has never questioned whether he would work on game day. We knew he would always be there. For the last 41 years, Ben has been a part of the Titan family, and he will continue to be a part of this family even after he steps away from the scoreboard controls. We appreciate the many hours, days, and years he has given to the UW Oshkosh Titan Athletic Department. He will be missed.”
Zalas began his career at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1970 when he accepted the position of Program Development Specialist in the College of Education, Division of Continuing Education working under the late Dr. Hal Krause.
Eric Zalas, Ben's son, and Ben pose for a picture outside the Oshkosh Sports Complex
“Hal was the field announcer at the Titan football games back then, and he asked me if I would like to work with him in the press box and run the scoreboard,” Zalas said. “Having been involved in sports most of my life as a coach and athletic director at the high school level in Indiana, I was happy to help out. My oldest son Eric (class of 1973) worked as a student spotter with me during the 1971 and 1972 seasons. We still share UWO game stories when the family gets together.”
Zalas, a decorated veteran of WWII who earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart during action in Italy, said he is very thankful for the long career that he has enjoyed at the University.
“My long time friend, the late Dr. Ed Weiss, provided me with the opportunity to become part the University and that professional working relationship lasted 20 years until my retirement in 1990,” Zalas said. “It’s been fun working the scoreboard for 41 consecutive football seasons for the Titans. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people and seen a lot of great college football over the years. I’ve been blessed to have such a long, wonderful relationship with a great institution like UWO. “
“It’s been a great run,” Zalas added. “I’ll probably feel a little sentimental when the clock ticks down to end that final home game of the season.”
Ben and his wife Helen recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this summer. They have six children, 29 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.
Read more: