The love Ben Mercer has for Oberlin College has run deep through his veins for over 70 years. After originally playing on the football team his freshman year, Mercer suffered an injury that put an end to his playing days, however, he went to be student trainer for the athletics department, often spending up to 20 hours a week tending to injured players. The Cleveland Plain Dealer even did an article on him where a quote appeared in the piece stating: "If the bruised and battered Oberlin College Yeoman are able to finish the football season all in one piece it will be due in no small part to the ministrations of Ben L. Mercer, the official trainer."Â
After a 38-year career with International Harvester and Navistar, he retired in 1989. In 1999, he and some former housemates who lived in the 'white house' during their time on campus created the "White House Scholarship" to commemorate their days at Oberlin, to honor their lifelong friendships, to memorialize their deceased housemates, and to recognize the importance of their participation in college athletics.Â
Mercer, who has played a vital role in sustaining the scholarship fund for over 20 years, has been active within the Heisman Club and has attended countless Yeomen football games throughout the years.
