Season-Opener Carries Special Meaning for Seth Benson

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Seth Benson made a career-changing resolution in December of 2017.

An all-state linebacker from Washington Excessive Faculty in Sioux Falls, S.D., Benson had been dedicated to South Dakota State for six months. After which Iowa known as.

With the December, 2017 signing interval only a week away, the Hawkeyes provided the South Dakota Gatorade Participant of the Yr a scholarship. A proposal he accepted.

“It’s enjoyable to look again at that,” mentioned Benson, heading into his senior season with the Hawkeyes. “I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m simply blessed I had the chance and I used to be in a position to come to Iowa. And I’ve received rather a lot forward of me.”

As destiny would have it, Benson’s closing season at Iowa begins with a Sept. 3 assembly with South Dakota State in Kinnick Stadium. This runs a lot deeper than only a season opener. This one is private.

Seth’s dad, Chuck, led the Jackrabbits in dashing in 1977. His brother, Austin, additionally performed soccer for South Dakota State. His mother, JoElle, performed basketball there and led the 1985-86 crew in field-goal proportion and blocked photographs.. His sister, Ellie, performed volleyball there. And Seth was poised to comply with of their footsteps.

So the selection was this. Proceed the household legacy in Brookings or take a chunk out of the Huge Ten. It wasn’t a call Seth took evenly.

“I’m an enormous household man,” Benson mentioned. “That was the toughest factor. I wished to be a loyal man, too. And I had dedicated to a college and a program (at South Dakota State). I used to be going to be 51/2 hours from my household. I had to consider that. However finally, I didn’t need to look again and say, “What if?”

The South Dakota State teaching employees made it simpler on Benson, supporting his resolution. A choice that additionally crossed the trail of friendship.

Considered one of Benson’s greatest associates is Zach Heins, who performed highschool soccer with him at Washington and signed with South Dakota State. Heins, like Benson a fifth-year senior, is a standout tight finish for the Jackrabbits and a two-time Missouri Valley all-conference choice.

“Zach is one among my greatest buddies,” Benson mentioned. “I keep in mind speaking about (enjoying in 2022). Perhaps it was freshman yr. And now it’s already right here.”

Benson and Jack Campbell make up probably the greatest linebacking duos at Iowa underneath Coach Kirk Ferentz. Campbell, the center linebacker, led the crew in tackles final season with 143. Benson, the weakside linebacker, was the second-leading tackler with 105. Each began all 14 video games Campbell and Benson are talked about in the identical breath as Iowa’s gifted linebacking duo of Chad Greenway and Adbul Hodge (2002 to 2005).

“Coach Ferentz at all times talks about Chad and Abdul once they have been right here,” Benson mentioned. “And the way they competed in the whole lot they did.”

Greenway and Hodge even have a reference to Benson. When Seth was making an attempt to resolve whether or not to stay with South Dakota State or take the Iowa provide, he received in contact with Greenway.

“He was really right here the opposite day as a result of his daughter (Maddyn) was on the ladies’s basketball camp,” Benson mentioned. “We talked about that. After I known as him he was in the identical scenario as I used to be. Even going much more full circle, he was going to go to South Dakota State as effectively. He instructed me then how he went by the whole lot, being from South Dakota.”

Greenway, from Mount Vernon, S.D., additionally handed on the Jackrabbits and signed with Iowa. Greenway’s recommendation helped put Benson comfy along with his resolution.

“I took a leap of religion and I’ve by no means appeared again,” Benson mentioned.

Benson doesn’t have to depart the soccer facility to speak to Hodge in regards to the linebacker place. Abdul is the most recent member of the Iowa teaching employees, the place he’s accountable for tight ends.

“He used to come back again within the summers and sometimes he’d be within the linebacker room,” Benson mentioned. “Or he’d be out on the sphere serving to us. It’s unbelievable having him within the facility now, with the expertise and knowledge and the whole lot he has for us.”

When Benson will get again to Sioux Falls now, everybody he runs into tells him they’ll be on the sport Sept. 3.

“I’m going to have to seek out a number of tickets for that one,” Seth mentioned.

He mentioned he is aware of a number of gamers on the South Dakota State crew, along with Heins. So it received’t be an extraordinary season opener for him. He mentioned he may need to mood his feelings earlier than kickoff.

“I normally attempt to stay fairly calm by video games,” he mentioned. “All of it comes down to simply doing what it is advisable to do. There can be lots of people right here. However it will likely be enjoyable, I feel.”

The Benson household, South Dakota State devoted on most Saturdays, will alter the script on Sept. 3. They’ll be decked out in black and gold.

“Yea,” Seth mentioned. “It’s a no brainer.”