Class of 2023

Villa Park (Willowbrook) Wrestler

Mike Behnke graduated from Willowbrook High School in Villa Park in 2002. He was a four-time state qualifier. He wrestled for two years under IWCOA Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Rossetti and his final two seasons under Bryan Murphy. Mike qualified for the 1999 IHSA State Tournament as a freshman and placed fifth as sophomore in 2000 at 189 lb. He then won back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002 at 215 lb. and at 275 lb. He was voted the IWCOA Outstanding Wrestler in 2002. Mike was a member of Willowbrook’s Elite Eight Dual Team in 1999. He finished his career with a 152-11 won-loss record including two unbeaten seasons. He had a win streak of 80 straight victories to close out his high school career.

Mike went on to wrestle at the University of Illinois. He had a 6th place in the Big Ten Tournament and was an NCAA qualifier.

Mike was also inducted into the Willowbrook High School Hall of Fame. Mike currently works in Minnesota.