Dubuque RTC to host Ben Kjar Clinic
The Dubuque RTC will host a wrestling clinic featuring Ben Kjar on Saturday, April 26.
Kjar, who was born with Crouzons syndrome, a genetic condition in which the seams of the skull fuse abnormally, overcame many challenges on his path to become Utah Valley’s first Division I All-American in wrestling in 2011.
The Pleasant Grove, Utah native went on to represent Team USA and won a Masters World title and is now a successful motivational speaker.
In a statement put out on social media, the Dubuque RTC wrote, “We’re fired up to host an unforgettable event Saturday, April 26th at the University of Dubuque — featuring Ben Kjar. This clinic goes beyond wrestling — it’s about building grit, purpose, and perspective in life and sport. Let’s pack the room and give our wrestlers something they’ll never forget.”
The clinic, which is free for the first 100 registered wrestlers, is set to take place from 8:30-10:00 AM CST, followed by an autograph and Q&A session from 10-11 AM. Later that afternoon at 12:45 PM, Standout: The Ben Kjar Story, a documentary about Kjar’s life, will premiere at The Grand Opera House at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. The first 100 registered wrestlers for the clinic will receive a free ticket to the premiere.
Dubuque RTC Director Will Kelly shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “We are really excited to have a clinic with Ben Kjar. I remember watching him win Fargo titles and do really well at Utah Valley as the program’s first All-American. He had quite an amazing career. Ben does a great job getting people fired up, and it is a pretty inspirational story; we are excited about this.”
“This is an amazing opportunity for area wrestlers,” Kelly continued. “For them to actually know somebody or have been around somebody who has been featured in a world-renowned film festival is pretty special.”
For full registration details, click here or contact Dubuque RTC Director, Will Kelly, at 319-504-3008. For more information about Ben Kjar and his life story, visit his website here.
