Bob was a football player and wrestler for Warren Area High School in 1951 and went on to be a 4-year varsity letter winner in wrestling for Lock Haven University. He was a PA state college gold and silver medalist, and a National Freestyle champion. He also won gold and silver medals in a number of AAU and YMCA regional, state, and national tournaments. Benson was an alternate in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling for the 1956 U.S. Olympic team. He coached wrestling at Corry High School from 1966 to 1969, and is a member of the first string heavyweight on the Lock Haven all-time wrestling team. He was inducted into the Lock Haven Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.
