Ben Morris

Class of 2012

Bensenville (Fenton) | University of Minnesota

A 1987 graduate of Fenton High School in Bensenville, Ben Morris wrestled for IWCOA Hall of Fame Member Steve Weiss. He was a 1987 graduate of Fenton. During his high school career he compiled a 169-9 record and earned four state medals. He was a member of one of the classic Illinois wrestling trilogies with three wrestlers each trading state titles during a three year period, with Ben winning his senior year. Ben place 3rd in the state his freshman year, was second his sophomore year, placed 3rd his junior and was a State Champion his senior year. He was a 3 time State Freestyle Champion and won the USA Junior National in 1984. In 1987 he was selected as Fenton High School Co-Athlete of the Year. He also played football while in high school.

Ben went on to the University of Minnesota to wrestle for Jay Robinson and the Gophers. While at Minnesota he compiled a 62-33-2 record in two complete years and limited action in two additional years. He placed 6th in the Midlands in 1990 and 6th in the Big Ten in 1990 to earn a trip to the NCAA Championships.

Ben began his coaching career at Northern Illinois University, serving under Dave Grant. He later moved on to Elmhurst College as he finished up his teaching requirements. In 2000 he became the assistant coach to IWCOA Hall of Fame Coach Joe Cliffe at Prairie Central. During his tenure with the Hawks, they placed three at the state meet as Prairie Central earned their first state trophy in 2003 with a fourth place finish.

He then moved on to Stillman Valley in 2004 and guided the Cardinals for six years. During that time Stillman had 26 state qualifiers, 15 place-winners and 4 champions. His teams also earned three state trophies. His Cardinals were 123-25 during his tenure. In 2010 Ben became the head wrestling coach at Batavia High School.

Ben and his wife Sarah have two children and they currently reside in DeKalb.