Wrestling State Champion 215 lbs. 2008

Wrestling 4th Place in state 215 lbs. 2007

3 year varsity letterman in football.

WSC Defensive Lineman of the Year-2008

WSC All-Academic

Ben Apland ‘08
Football, State Champion Wrestler-215 lbs.

Ben was a multi-sport athlete for the Mustangs who established himself to be among the elite in Downers Grove South wrestling history. He was a quiet leader and role model for winning with class, character, and confidence; he truly exhibited all the core values that our athletic program seeks to instill. More important than his impressive won/loss record was the road he took to achieve it. Ben’s dedication and determination to be the best paved the way for his success; both on the mat and in the classroom. It was this great work ethic that has made him such a success athletically, academically, and in life.

A three-year varsity wrestler, Ben built a large resume of accomplishments and achievements. He was an All-Conference selection all three years and was a champion in all four regular season tournaments his junior and senior years. Ben also had great success in the IHSA state series. He was a three time regional champion, a two time sectional champion, and two time All-Stater with a 4th place his junior year and state title his senior year. Ben was an undefeated state champion at 44-0 and his 119-10 career record ranked as 2nd in program history at the time he graduated. Ben also had many accomplishments in spring wrestling including a freestyle state championship, All-America status three times, and was ranked #2 in the nation his senior year by W.I.N Wrestling Magazine.

Maybe more impressive is that Ben did not have to specialize in wrestling in order to achieve this level of success; he was also a stand out football player. He was a three-year starter on the defense and was named the WSC Defensive Lineman of the Year and served as a captain of the team. In addition, Ben was a stand out in the classroom. He had a 4.00 GPA which placed him in the top 10 % of his class and took many A.P. and honors classes as well as a couple of college courses. This great academic work coupled with his athleticism made him very desirable for Collegiate Div. I programs

Ben had his choice of colleges and selected the University of Michigan to continue his academic and wrestling career. While at Michigan, he continued to have a stellar wrestling career. A four year starter at 285 lbs, he was a three-time Div. I National Tournament qualifier.

Ben graduated from Michigan with a chemical engineering degree and is currently employed by ResinTech in New Jersey. While not working he enjoys continuing to work out doing CrossFit as well as staying up to date with all the latest comic books, Star Wars, and science related news and stories.