TODD BENNER
CLASS OF 1992
ATHLETE
Todd Benner ranks at the very top of a long list of outstanding wrestlers who performed at HHS. His accomplishments are unparalleled in Blue Streak history. Todd was a four-year starter who compiled a career record of 105 wins and 8 losses. Todd and his teammates won 3 Valley District championships, 3 top-six finishes in regional competition and 6 top finishes in state meets.
Individually, Todd won 4 district championships, 2 regionals, a 3rd place in another and capped his career with state championships in his junior and senior years. George Kostis (HoF 2011) is the only other Blue Streak who has won two state championships. In winning his state titles, Todd went undefeated in his final 60 matches, the longest streak in school history.
Todd started as a very reluctant wrester. “I hated wrestling” he said, but he tagged along with his family for his older brother Heath’s matches (Heath twice placed in the top 5 at state competition). His parents persuaded Todd to give wrestling a chance so he entered a tournament where Heath was wrestling and won a few matches. This success encouraged him to continue and the rest, as they say, is history.
His high school coach, John Seal (HoF 2015) said of Todd; “He was super to work with. He worked hard, his mental attitude carried him a long way and he had great support from his family.”
Todd was also an excellent linebacker on the Blue Streak football team, playing 3 seasons. To culminate his senior year, Todd earned the Daily News-Record Outstanding Athlete of the Year in 1992.
Todd now resides in Clayton, North Carolina. He is a business partner with Loran Nicol, a former wrestling teammate and current HoF inductee.
