Bettendorf High School Activities Director Zach Shay is proud to announce the hiring of Ben Uker as the new Head Coach of the Bettendorf Wrestling program pending School Board approval. Coach Uker brings an exceptional background of competitive success, high-level coaching experience, and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the mat.
A decorated athlete, coach, and mentor, Uker was raised in Osage, Iowa, where he built an outstanding high school wrestling career. He was a two-time state finalist and state champion, while also earning state titles in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. During his career, he helped lead his team to a state dual championship and a third-place finish, including a team runner-up finish at the individual state tournament.
Uker continued his wrestling career at the University of Iowa under legendary coaches Dan Gable and Jim Zalesky. From 1994–1999, he contributed to four Big Ten Championship teams and five NCAA National Championship teams. Individually, he earned a fourth-place finish at the Big Ten Conference Championships, qualified for the NCAA Championships, and was honored with the prestigious J. Donald McPike Award, presented to the senior student-athlete with the highest GPA.
Following his collegiate career, Uker began coaching at the Division III level, serving as an assistant at Augustana College and Heidelberg College. During that time, he coached multiple All-Americans and contributed to two conference championship teams.
Uker later returned to the Quad Cities, where he trained and competed in mixed martial arts with Miletich Fighting Systems under Pat Miletich. In addition to competing, he served as a training partner and cornerman for high-level fighters, including UFC champions, and was a member of the International Fight League’s Quad City Silverbacks, who earned two World Championships.
In 2008, Uker transitioned into high school wrestling, serving as an assistant coach at Davenport Assumption before becoming the head coach at Pleasant Valley High School. Throughout his coaching career, he has developed numerous state qualifiers, place winners, and champions, while leading teams to top finishes at both the traditional and dual team state tournaments. His passion for youth development is evident through his involvement in coaching wrestling, football, baseball, and softball, as well as his contributions to the Bettendorf Wrestling youth program.
This past season, Uker joined the Bettendorf High School wrestling staff, assisting in a highly successful year that included multiple state qualifiers, place winners, and champions. The Bulldogs capped the season with an impressive second-place team finish at the state tournament.
Uker resides in Bettendorf with his wife, Alyssa, and their children, Emily, Madilyn, and Gage.
“We are excited to have Ben lead our wrestling program,” said Activities Director Zach Shay. “He brings elite experience as both a competitor and coach, along with a strong commitment to developing young men. His leadership, work ethic, and passion for the sport align perfectly with our program’s tradition of excellence. We are confident in the future of Bettendorf Wrestling under his guidance.”
Coach Uker is eager to build on the strong foundation of the program and continue the proud tradition of Bulldog wrestling while shaping student-athletes into leaders in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.