Upper Iowa University Athletics

Benitz, who earned NJCAA All-American honors with Iowa Western last season as a true freshman, claimed fourth place at the National Championships at 157 pounds. He went 23-13 for the Rievers last year including seven wins by fall, a tech fall and two major decisions.

Benitz wrestled for a national powerhouse, Lincoln of Wisconsin Rapids, that won four Wisconsin State Team Championships. Benitz completed his high school career with an impressive 187-19 overall record claiming four individual state medals while making three state finals appearances and never placing lower than third in the Wisconsin State Tournament. He claimed a runner-up finish as a senior at 170 pounds after claiming the title as a junior at 152 pounds. Benitz was the runner-up as a sophomore at 145 and finished third as a freshman at 140 pounds.

Beyond his high school accomplishments, Benitz also found success in international styles where he claimed All-American honors four times at the Asics-Vaughn Fargo National Tournament. He won the National Title in 2009 in Cadet Greco-Roman at 140 pounds, placed seventh in Junior Greco-Roman in 2010 and sixth in Cadet Freestyle in 2008 and 2009.

Personal:  Born on January 28, 1993... son of Kathy Guenther and Scott Benitz... ag business major.