Hall of Fame Wrestling Coach Passes Away

Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 -- 6:55 AM

Hall of Fame wrestling coach Lewie Benitz passed away last week at the age of 81.

Benitz came to Wisconsin Rapids as the Raiders' head wrestling coach in 1966, and held that position for more than 40 years, earning over 700 dual match wins and 17 state team championships.

Benitz was a member of several Halls of Fame, including the Wisconsin Coaches and National Wrestling Halls of Fame.  He was a native of Wheeler, Wisconsin, near Menomonie, and served as wrestling coach at Menomonie for one year before coming to Wisconsin Rapids.

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