Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > April > 02 > Entry
Utecht married to scratch golfer, beauty queen
BEN UTECHT’S BETTER HALF (LITERALLY!)
I’m trying to figure out who’s more famous.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end, Ben Utecht, who won a Super Bowl ring for the Indianapolis Colts after the 2006 season, or his wife, Karyn Stordahl-Utecht.
Karyn (pronounced “CAR-en”) — who competed for the Minnesota Golden Gophers as a member of the women’s golf team from 1999-2003 — was selected to compete in “The Big Break V” on the Golf Channel, but was forced to withdraw due to other commitments.
She was too busy working as Miss Minnesota 2005 and co-host of the Minnesota Golf Tour television show.
Wow. Imagine that.
“She’s a scratch golfer,” Ben said. “She puts me to shame on the course.”
Karyn, who turned 27 on March 1, is a Prior Lake, Minn., native who plays out of Legends Golf Club in her hometown. When she’s not playing golf, speaking into a microphone on camera or winning beauty pageants, she enjoys playing the piano, water skiing, working out and roller blading.
The strongest part of her golf game? “Course management.”
Her favorite club? “Putter.”
Her dream foursome: “Hilary Lunke, Bill Murray and Arnold Palmer.”
Karyn, who reigned as Miss Minnesota from 2005-06, isn’t just another pretty face. She was a 2003 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
The most memorable highlight in her college career came when she won the Lady Razorback Invitational as a junior. She was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten performer and was named the team’s most valuable golfer in 2003.
Karyn’s father played on the 1968 U.S. Olympic hockey team, so she grew up in a family passionate about sports. After her baby-sitter won the 1987 Miss Minnesota pageant and later competed for Miss America, Karyn set her sights on “Miss Minnesota” as a goal that she achieved.
Forget being called “Ben Utecht’s wife.”
This fall at Paul Brown Stadium, when fans see No. 81 on the field, they’ll shout, “Hey, there’s Karyn Stordahl-Utecht’s husband!”
Email Chick Ludwig at cludwig@daytondailynews.com
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Normal
April 3, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
I am a white 27 year old man. Lets wait until all the details come out. The latest news is that Mr. Henry has tried to turn a corner. Hopefully, he was not involved, or someone with less to lose was the one that caused the incident. The other thing that is unfortunate, is that Cincinnati has a severe issue with race, and would rather try to instigate Mr. Henry, than encourage him. I honestly have trouble believing that Mr. Henry would throw a bottle without cause, and then punch some 18-year old PUNK. All I can do is pray for Mr. Henry and hope he can embrace the goodness of Jesus. Unfortunately, many other citizens of the area, Caucasian or otherwise, would rather ruin him and play “victim”. I pray for him, I pray for you, please pray for me. BJOBy Alex
April 3, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Lol… you’re funny. I am praying that I don’t see him in a street alley at night. 4 arrests in a 6 month period is a justified kick out the door.By Troy Richards
April 3, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
I am proud of Mike Brown enough is enough. Henry did not deserve wearing a Bengal uniform. Its a honor to play in the NFL Mr. Henry and im a proud Cinti Bengals fan. To the Flyer fans im sorry for the way the Buckeye fans treated you. I will take UD arena anyday of the week and im a Buckeye fan.