By George Bremer, Herald Bulletin Sports Writer
ANDERSON — Highland wrestler Sam Bennett has a brutally efficient style on the mat.
He took a similar approach to the recruiting process.
As a result, the senior 152-pounder signed a letter of intent Sunday to attend and compete for Northern Illinois.
The Huskies have individuals ranked in eight of 10 weight classes in the Mid-American Conference this winter, and Bennett was sold on the program by his official visit.
“I really like the team,” he said. “We got along really well. I was impressed with the facilities, and everything I would need on campus is within walking distance. They offered me a pretty good scholarship. Everything just kind of fell into place.”
Bennett also made visits to Maryland and Purdue, and he had a few other visits lined up. But the trip to DeKalb, Ill., made his decision clear.
“There was really no need for me to keep searching for a college,” he said.
Scots coach Kyle Poyer said Bennett did his due diligence before choosing Northern Illinois.
“He did a lot of work,” Poyer said. “He put a lot of time into it, and he picked the university and the wrestling program that fit him best.”
Part of that fit is evident in Bennett’s projected spot in the lineup. He expects to wrestle at 157 pounds collegiately, meaning he’ll barely need to change his training habits from high school.
“It’ll be perfect,” he said of his college weight class.
The quick decision also allows Bennett to focus completely on his final high school season without the added drama of the recruiting process.
He finished third last year at the IHSAA state finals, and his goal is to bring home a state championship this year alongside best friend and teammate Mason Berryman.
“Anytime, as a wrestler, you can take the pressure off of what the next step is going to be after your high school career,” Poyer said, “everything else is just icing on the cake.”
Bennett couldn’t agree more, saying signing with an NCAA Division I program was his ultimate goal.
“It’s really nice,” he said. “All the pressure is gone. I can just wrestle now for fun. I’ve already fulfilled my goal.”
