WORTHINGTON, Minn. — Minnesota West Community and Technical College has turned to a familiar face to lead its wrestling program, naming former Bluejay wrestler Ben Goodwin as the new head coach.
Goodwin, a 31-year-old Lincoln, Nebraska native, takes over for Brayden Curry, who departed to become the head wrestling coach at Iowa Western Community College.
The appointment for Goodwin is his first head coaching position.
His journey in the sport took off at Lincoln Pius X Catholic High School, where he was a four-time starter and letterwinner. He qualified for the Nebraska Class B state tournament all four years, securing a place on the podium twice.
After graduating in 2012, Goodwin’s path led him to Minnesota West, wrestling under then-coach Bob Purcell. In his two seasons as a Bluejay, Goodwin compiled a 45-15 record and was a two-time national qualifier.
Following his graduation from Minnesota West in 2014, Goodwin continued his wrestling career at the NCAA Division II level with Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During his senior season in 2017, he posted a 22-11 record, won the Super Region 3 title at 197 pounds, and qualified for the national championships.
His experience on the mat soon translated to the sidelines. Goodwin remained at Augustana as an assistant coach for two years. During this time, he also ventured into mixed martial arts. In 2019, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to further his MMA ambitions.
Goodwin returned to Worthington in 2023 with his fiancée and began working as a personal trainer at Empowered Fitness, a role he plans to continue alongside his coaching duties.