CR Athletics – Ben Venvenuti

College of the Redwoods has hired Brandon Benvenuti as the new head coach of the men’s and women’s wrestling teams, the Corsairs announced on Thursday.

The new men’s team is slated to begin competing in the fall of 2023, with the women’s team set to begin in the spring of next year.

Benvenuti joins the Corsairs after recently assisting the men’s wrestling team at Lindsey Wilson College, an NAIA program in Kentucky, where he helped lead the team to a Mid-South NAIA Conference championship. 

He also has coached at Grand View University, another NAIA program in Iowa.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Brandon to the CR Athletic Department,” CR Athletics Director Bob Brown said in a press release. “Brandon brings a strong and extensive background in the sport of wrestling, both as a competitor and as a coach.

“He has worked with All-Americans and contributed to championship teams at Grand View University. 

“We anticipate Brandon’s valuable leadership will strengthen our department and community.”

Benvenuti says he is looking forward to the new challenge.

“I am excited for this opportunity to lead the next generation of upcoming student-athletes at CR as well as give them a place to grow,” he said. “I plan to plant our roots deep and reach for the stars.”

This will mark the first time the Corsairs have ever competed in women’s wrestling, while the men’s program makes a welcome return for the first time in more than four decades.

“After a nationwide search, we are confident in Coach Benvenuti’s ability to restore CR’s men’s wrestling team and establish CR’s women’s team,” CR President Dr. Keith Flamer said. “We have high hopes that this appointment will also foster a strong relationship with the high school teams. 

“With Coach Benvenuti, we believe we can attract student-athletes seeking excellent coaching and academic experiences.”