Kenny Betts

As an eighth grader, Betts wrestled at 103 pounds, compiling a 40-6 record with 29 pins. He qualified for the NYS tournament and scored a runner-up podium finish in the first of his five consecutive appearances at the state tourney.

Kenny moved up to the 119-pound class as a freshman, going 43-9 with 26 pins before bowing out at the state finals.

He won his first NYS title in 2007. The 10th grader went 48-6 with 39 pins while capturing the top prize.

Betts had another big year as a junior for the Fredonia Hillbillies. Wrestling at 145 pounds, he compiled a 50-3 ledger, including 38 pins, before being decisioned in the state’s final match to earn his second runner-up podium finish.

Kenny’s senior year was a monster. He established a 57-3 record, pinned 39 opponents, and captured the 2009 NYS Championship in the 152-pound class.

He was named an All-American Honorable Mention following his senior season. Betts’ overall high school record is remarkable. He won 269 matches while losing just 34. Of his 269 wins, 186 were by pins. His 269 wins was a New York State record, while his 186 pins was second-best in state history at the time.

He was a Section 6 champion every year from eighth grade to twelfth. Of the five times he qualified for the state tournament, he won twice and finished second two other times.

Kenny not only excelled on the mats for the Hillbillies, he was also an outstanding football player and pole vaulter. As a 5’ 7” nose tackle, he was Section 6 Class B South Defensive Player of the Year and 3rd Team All-New York State Football in 2008. He also was a 3-time Section 6 qualifier in the pole vault.

Betts was inducted into the Western New York Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2017.

Kenny Betts is a NYS Corrections Officer, serves as a volunteer coach with the Wolfpack Wrestling Club and resides in Fredonia with his wife and 2 children.