Benefiel was a Cadet National Champion in 2004 and was a Junior All-American last year. He competed for Team Illinois in the national event and trains at the Overtime School of Wrestling.
"Mike's tournament performance is indicative of his training regiment," top assistant coach Drew Pariano said. "He dominated all of his opponents and that is why we believe he is one of if not the top recruit in the country."
This past season, Benefiel received the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award. This annual award is bestowed upon high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, character, citizenship and community service. Benefiel completed his high school career as a four-time state champion from Montini with a career record of 200-4.
Robert Kellogg (Sioux City, Iowa/Sioux City North) also earned All-American accolades by placing fourth in the Junior Greco-Roman competition. Kellogg won six matches and won five additional matches in the freestyle competition, missing All-American status by just one match. Kellogg's resume has a 2006 Junior National Greco-Roman title attached to it, as well as a 2007 high school state championship for Sioux City North High School in Iowa.
"Robert is a true competitor. He wrestled 16 matches in four days, became an All-American and nearly missed becoming a two-time All-American by just one match," Pariano said.
Frank Battaglia (Hinsdale, Ill./Hinsdale Central) had an impressive tournament earning six victories in the 160-pound freestyle bracket. Both of Battaglia's losses were to eventual All-Americans. Battaglia competed for Team Illinois in the event and also trains at the Overtime School of Wrestling.
Ben Kuhar (Mentor, Ohio/St. Edward) competed in the 285-pound freestyle bracket. Kuhar began the competition by reeling off three-straight victories before losing to the eventual seventh place finisher, as well as the two-time defending Junior National Champion.
"Frank and Ben both had a great tournament," Pariano said. "Ben will benefit from current All-American Dustin Fox once we get both of these men in the wrestling room and Frank is a completely different wrestler than he was just three months ago. He is gaining confidence with each and every win."
John Schoen (Homer Glen, Ill./Marist) competed in the 215-pound freestyle bracket. In his first Junior Nationals appearance, Schoen was victorious in his second bout of the day and then bowed out to the eventual Junior National Champion at his weight class. Pariano though, believes this experience will be very helpful to his future.
"John gained valuable experience and competed against an elite athlete in this tournament. His athleticism will enable him to have a great deal of success in college."
All five signees will compete for the Wildcats next fall.
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