Ben Tinkham has been named head coach of the Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) wrestling program, the school’s activities office announced Aug. 1.

Tinkham, who has served as an assistant and youth coach for the Eagles the past two seasons, replaces Marcus Levesseur, who resigned after three seasons.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Ben Tinkham as the leader of our wrestling program,” EPHS student activities director Joe Perkl said in a statement. “His experience coaching both boys and girls, combined with his ability to push athletes to be their best in a positive and supportive way, makes him the perfect fit to continue growing our program.”

Tinkham began wrestling at age 6 and competed in the Hopkins program, where he earned 113 career wins — fourth all-time — and helped lead Hopkins to its first state appearance in more than 30 years. He went on to wrestle at Rochester Community and Technical College, winning back-to-back NJCAA team national titles and qualifying for nationals in 2014.

As a coach, Tinkham guided Hopkins’ first state place winner in 20 years (2018) and its first state champion in 50 years (2019).

“I believe that wrestling turns young men and women into who they will be for the rest of their life,” Tinkham said.

A meet-and-greet with Tinkham is planned for this fall.