Nebo School District Athletic Hall of Fame - Jody Benson

Nebo School District inducted Jody Benson in the Nebo Athletic Hall of Fame in February, 2016, at the Payson High School boy’s basketball game.

Jody Benson graduated from Payson High School in 1993 and was the Region Champion for cross country in the 1600 M and 3200 M for track and field.  He was a podium finisher placing third for cross country in the 3200 M for track and field. 

As a college student at Utah Valley University in 1997, Jody was the Conference Champion and qualified for nationals placing twelfth in the nation becoming an All-American for cross country.

As a college student at Southern Utah University, Jody was the Physical Education Student of the Year in 2000 and competed in cross country and track. Before he graduated in 2001, he was on the National Champion NCAA Academic Cross Country Team in 1997 and qualified for nationals for three years.  Jody’s best performances were: fifty-second in the nation, third in the district, and first in conference.  He was named Mid-Continent Conference Runner of the Year, twice, and was All-Conference, six times, and All-District, twice. 

Timpanogos is where Coach Benson has spent his career for the past 15 years and was named All-Sports 4A Coach of the Year in 2015.  He lead his cross country teams to three state championships including boys’ in 2014 and 2015 and girls’ in 2015.  The boys’ team qualified for Nike Cross Nationals for two years placing twelfth in the nation in 2014 and fifth in the nation in 2015. Jody coached the state record holder for cross country in the 3200 M and 100 M for track and field. He coaches his son, Joe Benson, who became an All-American for cross country in 2015 by placing sixteenth in the nation.

Jody has run the St. George Marathon five times with his best finish as sixth overall. He was privileged to run the Boston Marathon in 2011-- a life-time goal. Jody also ran the Squaw Peak 50 placing second overall.  Coach Benson continues to run with his high school team every day.

Jody is married to Katie Benson from Orem; and they have four children: Joseph, Kali, Carter, and Tate.