24 May 2019
De La Salle proudly announces that Ben Sanchez has been chosen as its new head varsity wrestling coach. Sanchez is a member of De La Salle’s Class of 2000.
Prior to his appointment as the leader of the Meteor wrestling program, Sanchez was an assistant at the high school level at Kelly (2004-06) and De La Salle (2007-09). He also had been an assistant with the Caravan Kids wrestling club from 2016-19.
As a student-athlete at De La Salle, Sanchez was a three-time IHSA state qualifier and placed sixth in Class AA at 171 pounds in the 1998-99 season. He also was a two-time Catholic League champion at 171 in 1997-98 and 1998-99, guiding De La Salle to third-place finishes as a team in both seasons.
Internationally, Sanchez was a gold medalist in the Junior Olympics in 2000 representing Mexico.
After graduating from De La Salle, Sanchez earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Management from Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, IN.
De La Salle’s varsity wrestling coaching staff will consist of Sanchez, Jason Davidson, Robert Forbes and Pat Vitek. The junior-varsity coaches will be Malcom Watson and Mike Cannon with Ray Keeler ’96 and Fred Muehleman leading the freshman Meteors.
“We think that Ben will do an excellent job as our new head wrestling coach,” De La Salle athletic director Tom White said. “Ben knows very well what it’s like to compete against the outstanding wrestling programs in the Chicago Catholic League.
“He brings a great deal of knowledge and passion to his coaching and wants nothing more than to see his wrestlers succeed in the classroom and on the wrestling mat and develop into exemplary individuals.
“Ben’s truly a Meteor and we’re very happy to welcome him home.”
Congratulations, Ben!
#WeAreD
