Feb. 19, 2007

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Mike Benefiel (Aurora, Ill./Montini Catholic) completed a two-year unbeaten streak Saturday night to become the ninth wrestler in Illinois history to win four state titles. The senior signed a National Letter of Intent in the fall and will compete for the Wildcats starting in 2007-08.

"Mike is a special athlete that only comes around every so often," assistant coach Andrew Pariano said. "We feel very fortunate that he has chosen to continue his academic and wrestling career at Northwestern."

Benefiel picked up his 195th career win with an 8-2 decision Saturday night at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Ill. in the championships finals -- an Illinois state record.

"One of the best attributes that Mike has is that he isn't satisfied," Pariano said. "After the finals were completed, he got right back to work because Montini earned a spot in the IHSA team state tournament."

"He is one of the top recruits in the nation, if not, the No. 1 recruit in the nation," Pariano said. "This is just the beginning. We plan on continuing our climb up the national rankings and Mike will be a huge part of this process."

Ben Kuhar (Concord Twp., Ohio/St. Edward) and Robert Kellogg (Sioux City, Iowa/Sioux City North) also signed National Letters of Intent in the fall to join Northwestern for the 2007-08 campaign.

The 'Cats, who won their last two duals of the season, return to action Mar. 3-4, at the Big Ten Championships.

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