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Brandon Benvenuti – Wrestling with Heart

Published on Oct 16 2025

Brandon Benvenuti knows what it takes to build more than just a winning wrestling team, he’s focused on building character, confidence, and community. A Sacramento native and 2007 graduate of Oakmont High School, Brandon’s path in wrestling took him from his hometown mat to Grand View University in Iowa and eventually to a master’s in Kinesiology from the University of Central Missouri. Along the way, coaches like Patrick Bussey and Nick Mitchell shaped his love for the sport—and now he’s paying it forward as head coach of the College of the Redwoods Corsairs.

For Brandon, success isn’t measured solely in points or pins. “Out fighting your opponent is important, but making a difference in the classroom and the community is just as vital,” he says. That philosophy guides every practice, match, and team interaction. He meets each athlete where they are, emphasizes hard work, and nurtures leadership organically, letting it grow from the culture of the team itself.

Game days at CR are a mix of preparation and tradition. Morning pre-match practice sets the tone, followed by the team walkout song, and then each wrestler’s personal walkout music. Behind the scenes, Brandon and his staff study opponents’ past matches, spotting tendencies and helping athletes refine their strategies. And through it all, Brandon’s goal is clear: support his team and help each wrestler leave the mat a better athlete and person than when they arrived.

Community support makes a huge difference. Brandon encourages fans to come to home meets, pick up team gear, or contribute to the annual Wrestling Challenge Fundraiser. “Thanks for the unwavering support,” he adds. “And a huge thank you to our administration, athletic trainers, assistant coaches, and my wife Kenzie for everything they do to make this season possible.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the 2025-2026 season, Brandon is motivated by the relationships he’s building and the chance to see just how good his team can be. With a mix of heart, dedication, and hard work, this Corsairs wrestling squad is ready to make its mark—on the mat, in the classroom, and in the community.