BEN CONNELL OF SOUTH CAROLINA NAMED AS THE WINNER OF THE 2000 DAVE SCHULTZ HIGH SCHOOL EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUMSTILLWATER, Okla--Lugoff-Elgin High School's Ben Connell has been named the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's 2000 Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award winner for his academic, scholastic and community achievement.
Representing the Southeast Region, Connell amassed a career record of 146-5, including 94 falls, en route to capturing four state titles. Following the 2000 season, he was named South Carolina's "Mr. Wrestling" and finished second in the state's Athlete of the Decade vote.
Connell finished first at the NHSCA national tournament and was named a member of Wrestling USA's Dream Team.
On the gridiron, Connell excelled as an All-State fullback and linebacker as well. Nationally, he was one of eight finalists for the Wendy's High School Heisman and has been featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd."
Carrying a 3.84 GPA, Connell received Academic All-America and All-State honors. He is an active member of Beta Club, Arrow of Light, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boy Scouts and SADD.
In addition, he is the president of his church's Young Men Club and volunteers with special needs and autistic children.
The award's other finalists were; Michael Christian of Lynnwood (Wash.) High School representing the Western Region, Jesse Jantzen of Shoreham-Wading (N.Y.) High School representing the Northeast Region, Brad Metzler of Omaha-Westside (Neb.) High School representing the Northern Plains and Wes Roberts of Westmoore (Okla.) High School representing the Southern Plains.