Kofa's Benitez 2-1 at first day of Senior Nationals

 Kofa senior Jorge Benitez went 2-1 on the opening day of the National High School Coaches Association Senior Nationals Wrestling Championship.

 Benitez and coach Marty Dillon made the trip to Virginia Beach, Va. More than 750 seniors  are participating in the showcase that also includes national championship tournaments for elementary, middle school, freshman, sophomore and junior divisions.

 The Kings senior and two-time 5A Division II state champion at 160 pounds was hoping to gain some experience and exposure at Senior Nationals. With college wrestling concluded, coaches from across the nation are in attendance and allowed to talk to the wrestlers.

 "It's considered the premier high school sporting event in the country and I can see why," Dillon said. "They have 28 mats and close to 80 are Jorge's bracket. He has one of the largest brackets in the tournament.

 "Jorge has already had a couple of college coaches talk to him."

 Benitez opened Friday's action with a 7-2 win over Turtgotkh Luvsandorj of New Jersey and then defeated Kyle Mankowich of Missouri 6-4 to reach the round of 32.

 Mankowich was ranked fourth in Class 4 at 160 pounds by MissouriWrestling.com. Luvsandorj won the National Prep Wrestling Championships title at 160 in 2009.

 Daniel Yates of Michigan sent Benitez to the consolation bracket with a 15-0 tech-fall (5:40).

 Yates is a three-time state champion for Hesperia High, winning at 145, 152 and 160. He went 63-1 en route to his third straight Michigan Class 4 title. He is considered one of the top unsigned recruits of Michigan.