Brandon Benson was given a chance he wouldn't give up straight out of high school. He got recruited to wrestle at West Point.
After two years there he felt it best that he return home to Oklahoma because he needed to be with his family. It was the best thing for everyone.
Benson, this week's Super Star of the Week, has become a two-time national qualifier for Oklahoma City University. He was an all-American last season.
After qualifying for the NAIA Championships at the first tournament this year, Benson was able to relax at the NAIA Central Regional tournament and wrestle with no pressure. He won at his weight class 165 pounds and was named outstanding wrestler at the Central Regional Tournament this past Saturday.
“It felt really good to win,” said Benson. "As a senior you want to go out on top. It was my last time to wrestle at OCU, and I achieved what I wanted. Wrestling is about overcoming. You do it when you’re hurt or sick. To be the best you have to wrestle and beat the best.”
OCU coach Archie Randall said, “We moved him up a weight class. He wrestled like most seniors should when they’re headed to the nationals. He wrestled like an all-American.”
On March 6-8 in Sioux City, Iowa, Benson and the Oklahoma City University wrestling team will compete in the NAIA Championships. Benson will have a shot at winning nationals at his weight class.
He is ranked fourth in the NAIA at 157 pounds.
“I am excited at the chance that I could win," Benson said. "I have a great opportunity to be in the finals. It is always fun and hopefully I will come home with a gold. I need to wrestle well every match, take it one at a time and put together a complete match.”
More on Benson:
Reason I picked OCU: Wanted to be closer to home
Best advice I have ever gotten: You can do anything in the world for seven minutes. You might as well win
My prematch ritual: Listening to music that calms me down
The best match I ever had: Junior year state championship match
Career plans: Coach/English teacher
