Benson Polytechnic’s newly modernized campus and gym facilities, part of a large rebuild completed in 2024, finally opened for school use after years of construction. Right before the school year started, the new Benson facility suffered a pipe burst, causing the Benson wrestling team to have nowhere to go. 

Because of this, the Benson wrestlers had to practice and compete with teams from other schools. Wrestler Gauis Vickery, a sophomore at Benson, said, “There wasn’t a Benson team last year,” so he wrestled for Roosevelt instead. “I honestly enjoyed it because that’s where I started wrestling in eighth grade.” This year, the boys wrestling team is back at Benson. Vickery also spoke about the team’s new head coach, Robert Caudillo. “It’s obviously hard with a new coach. It’s his first year, and he’s still getting into it. He’s good.”

Now back at Benson, Vickery has high expectations for the team this season. “We have a lot of first years,” he said. When asked about team chemistry, Vickery explained that wrestling is a more individual-focused sport. “We’re all pushing ourselves in the weight room. Wrestling is more of an individual sport, so we don’t really have to worry about that too much.”

Despite the challenges at the new building and the start of the season, the Benson wrestling team is focused on moving forward. With a new coach, a large group of first-year wrestlers, and the opportunity to use their new facilities. As practices continue and the team gains more time together, the team hopes to improve throughout the year and build a strong foundation for future seasons.