Tory Bennett signs to wrestle for Lock Haven University

October 5, 2012

2012 WV State Wrestling Champion Tory Bennett of Berkeley Springs signed to wrestler for Lock Haven University in May.

Although Bennett had several schools interested in him he chose the Bald Eagles in Lock Haven, Pa.

Lock Haven Coach Robbie Waller has known Bennett who attended wrestling camps at the college and became a member of the All-American Wrestling Club in Pennsylvania from the time he was little all the way through high school. "I got to watch him grow up," Waller said. "I know his older brother and father, knew his background and the family. I watched him excel at every level, and when it came down to start recruiting, he was high on our list of potential recruit’s.

Familiarity is huge to Bennett, who wrestled at Berkeley Springs under his father/coach, Daryl Bennett, so being under the tutelage of a friendly face was important to him. "I won't have to worry about trust," Tory Bennett said. "Coach Waller will be there for me and I won't be coached by someone who doesn’t know me. It was a comfort thing. I know that he knows me and how I wrestle.”

Lock Haven wrestles Division I level, and Bennett will be wrestling against the top competition in the country. "Lock Haven is a small school, and they wrestle Division I, so it's the best of both worlds," Tory Bennett said.

"We compete against the best of the best," Waller said. "Division I is pretty fierce."

Bennett was the best of the best during his time as an Indian, compiling a 217-8 career record, three state titles 160, 171, 182. His career wins total is the West Virginia state record.

Tory Bennett is undecided about his college major at this time, but on the mat, he will be assured a shot at starting right away. He will wrestle at 174 pounds, down from the 182-pound weight class he wrestled as a senior. "We think Tory will have an impact in our room right away," Waller said. “We plan on him being a cornerstone in our lineup for four years. And if his high school career is any indication, his future looks bright at Lock Haven for the next four years.”