CROOKSTON, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Crookston athletic department announced the hiring of Zach Benson as the assistant director of recreation. Benson spent the last year as an intern in the athletic department. Benson assisted with operations for the UMN Crookston Wellness Center, including intramurals, and helped with game management for Minnesota Crookston's athletic events. He also assisted with marketing and gameday promotions for Minnesota Crookston's athletic teams. 

"I would like to thank Athletic Director Stephanie Helgeson for this opportunity to jump right in and work at my Alma Mater right out of the gate," Benson stated. "Also thank you to Kolby Castillo who has been the best mentor for this job I could possibly have. I am excited to get to work with the great staff and students we have, Roll Eagles!"

"We had the opportunity to see first-hand the drive and desire Zach has, something he showed us every day as an intern over the past year," said Director of Athletics Stephanie Helgeson. "He had the opportunity to work under Kolby Castillo and gain hands-on experience as a student. We know he is well prepared and will do a great job in his full-time role and are excited to see him continue to grow."

In Benson's full-time role, he will help with day-to-day operations in the Wellness Center. He will also continue to oversee intramurals, and will assist Assistant Athletic Director Nate Mahlen with game management. He will also help coordinate and schedule Minnesota Crookston's recreation club sports programs. Benson will also help with facility scheduling. 

In Benson's role as an intern, he also worked with visiting teams and officials on gameday logistics, and helped with the set-up and breakdown of athletic events. He was responsible for hiring, training, and daily oversight of 15 student employees and coordinating their work in the Wellness Center and in game management. Benson helped launch a mobile app for the Wellness Center. He worked with the business office to handle all membership sign-ups and payments. Benson also worked with organizations and other campus departments to host events in Minnesota Crookston's athletic and recreation facilities. 

Benson is also an umpire for MSHSL baseball and softball, as well as an official for boys and girls basketball, and football. He has also done some officiating at the collegiate level in baseball, basketball, and football.

Benson received his Bachelor of Science degree in sports and recreation management from Minnesota Crookston in May. Benson earned Dean's List accolades on multiple occasions as a student. He is a native of Oklee, Minn., and attended Red Lake County Central High School.