In his first season as head coach at Northern Colorado, Ben Cherrington helped do what hadn’t been done in 40 years in the wrestling program: he coached Justin Gaethje to Division I All-American status. Gaethje placed seventh at the 2010 NCAA Championship at 157 pounds after earning an at-large berth to the championship.

Cherrington was officially named interim head coach for the 2009-10 season, but had the interim tag removed after the conclusion of 2010.

In 2008-09, Cherrington was an assistant coach for the Bears before taking over the reins for long-time head coach Jack Maughan.

Cherrington was the 2006 NCAA National Champion at 157 pounds and advanced to four NCAA Tournaments for Boise State, posting an overall collegiate record of 93-32, which included a mark of 54-8 in his final two seasons.

After an injury, Cherrington won 20 straight matches, capped by the 2006 Pac-10 and NCAA Championship titles. During his undefeated senior season, Cherrington won three bouts by pin, three by technical fall and six by major decision.

In his time with the Broncos, Cherrington won two Pac-10 Championships, one as a senior at 157 pounds and the 149-pound title as a junior.

During his high school career at Middle Park High School in Granby, Colo., Cherrington compiled a career record of 141-3. Under head coach and father Cal Cherrington, he won three individual state titles, his freshman, junior, and senior years, and placed second his sophomore year. He was named the 2001 3A Outstanding Wrestler at the state tournament his senior season. Cherrington also earned a runner-up finish at the Junior National Freestyle tournament in Fargo, N.D.

Cherrington graduated from Boise State University in 2006. He and his wife, Katie have a son, Caden.