Ken Benton named NYS wrestling coach of the year

Ken Benton was named NYS Wrestling Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association has named Amsterdam High School’s Ken Benton the 2009 New York State Head Coach of the Year.

Benton earned his 200 win as a head coach this past winter, while his team finished the 2008-09 season with 29 wins (and just 3 losses) to set a Section 2 record for most wins in a season. The team also finished the season ranked 19th in the state in the final NYS Sportswriters' Poll.

"This honor is a reflection of all the efforts of my terrific coaching staff, great student-athletes, and dedicated parents," Benton said.

Rich Romeo, President of the NYS Wrestling Coaches Association and state representative for the NWCA described Benton as an outstanding coach who is dedicated to his wrestlers.

"His record ranks among the very best in Section 2 and New York State," Romeo said. "His contributions to the sport and dedication to his student-athletes have enhanced our sport and improved the lives of the wrestlers he has coached over his almost thirty year career."

Benton has been named Section 2’s Class B Coach of the Year three times during his 28-year career. His career win/loss record is 206-48, and his previous teams have been ranked in the top 10 in the state with as few as two seniors. He has worked for many years to develop his peewee program to build a strong varsity program.

Accomplishments for the 2008-09 season include: Section II Class B Champions; Section 2 Division 1 Runners-up; Section 2 Dual Championship Finalists; North/South Duals Champions; Montgomery County Duals Champions; Schenectady Invitational Champions; Purple/Gold Classics Champions; CNS Duals Runners-up; Fox 23 News Team of the Week; Set section 2 record for number of team wins in a season.

Mike Moyer, National Executive Director of the NWCA, said the coaches and wrestlers who received the NWCA awards have shown the type of work ethic and commitment needed to achieve success on and off the mat.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate programs. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling. The NWCA, through its organizational structure, promotes communication, recognizes achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events, and serves as an educational and informational source. Additionally, the NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of athletic competition.
 

Past NYS Head Coach of the Year award winners include:

2008 Michael Conners, G.Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY

2007 Bill Jacoutot, Spencerport High School