Ben Conken Obituary, MOBILE, Ala. — Ben Conken, a standout athlete from Cottage Hill Christian Academy who was preparing to play football at the University of West Florida, has died at the age of 20 after battling cancer.
Conken graduated from Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile in 2024 and was headed to the University of West Florida on a scholarship to join the Argos football team. About a month after signing with UWF, he learned that he had cancer, beginning a difficult period of treatment that took him between Houston and Mobile.
Despite his health challenges, Conken remained connected to the UWF football program and continued supporting his teammates whenever he was able. Head coach Kaleb Nobles said Conken made an impact on the program even though he was unable to spend a full season with the team.
“When he was able to be here, he would be here, and you wouldn’t be able to tell that anything was wrong,” Nobles said. He also remembered Conken for his constant smile and described him as a great teammate who remained connected to the program during his battle with cancer.
At Cottage Hill Christian Academy, Conken was remembered as a competitor and leader whose influence extended beyond athletics. Head of School Chris Brazell described his life as a testimony to faith, courage, perseverance and the impact a person can have on those around them.
Brazell said Conken approached everything he did with determination and led through his daily actions. His consistency and commitment drew teammates, classmates and members of the school community toward him, according to Brazell.
The University of West Florida football program plans to honor Conken during its first home game on Aug. 27 with a moment of silence. The Argos will also wear a helmet decal featuring Conken’s initials, “BC,” throughout the season in his memory.
Conken’s family expressed gratitude for the support they have received from Cottage Hill Christian Academy, UWF, the Argonauts and Coach Nobles during his illness. The family said they are heartbroken by his death but find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday at Cottage Hill Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama.
Ben Conken’s death has left the Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama sports communities mourning the loss of a young athlete whose perseverance and presence made a lasting impression. He will be remembered by those who knew him for the impact he made both on and off the field. May his family, teammates, coaches, classmates and friends find comfort as they honor his memory.
