Bennett Makes Brother Rice History, Relishes State Championship

CHICAGO — Brother Rice High School senior Tommy Bennett became the third wrestler in school history to win a state championship last weekend, tearing through his bracket en route to the throne. The State Farm Center in Champaign played host to the festivities, and Bennett stood alone atop the 170-pound division.

The Most Holy Redeemer graduate captured the title in exhilarating fashion, landing a critical takedown at the final buzzer to secure the victory. Bennett’s final months as a Crusader, says he’s “just trying to take it all in.”

“It didn’t feel real,” Bennett said. “You dream about this stuff as a kid. To fail my first two years, and to come all the way back and win on my last try, it’s pretty surreal.”

Bennett joins Rudy Yates and Hassan Johnson as the only other Crusader matmen to reign supreme as a state champion.

“It means a lot. I hope my success paves the way for more to come,” Bennett said. “I would come to Rice and wrestle [Johnson] in seventh and eighth grade. Seeing him win state made me want to come and do the same thing.”

Bennett spoke highly of his teammates and coaches, and praised their resilience through the uncertainty of the pandemic.

“I’m grateful for all my training partners. I wouldn’t have won without them.”

The Crusaders travel to Bloomington this weekend to compete in the IHSA Dual Team State Tournament at Grossinger Motors Arena.

~ Contributed by Jack Zampillo, Brother Rice High School Staff Writer