Peter Benjamin is now in his fifth year as the head of Concordia's Athletic Training department. 

Benjamin joined Concordia after spending three years as the Head Athletic Trainer at Madonna University. Director of Athletics Lonnie Pries announced that Benjamin began his full-time duties on July 1.

"Peter comes to us with collegiate experience as the head of an athletic training department, and we are excited to see him use that experience in leading our current staff as they work with our athletic teams," said Pries. "Peter is also a great fit with the mission of our department and we look forward to see how God uses him in this leadership role in athletics."

Before coming to Concordia, Benjamin served as the Head Athletic Trainer at fellow Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference member, Madonna University. As the head trainer for the Crusaders, Benjamin worked with the men's basketball, women's soccer, and the men's and women's lacrosse teams. Benjamin also oversaw the daily operations of the department while managing two additional full-time athletic trainers. Benjamin was named Madonna's Head Trainer after spending a year at the school as an Assistant Athletic Trainer.

For his first post-graduate job, Benjamin was the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Hillsdale College where he was the head trainer for Men's Basketball and Baseball while assisting Football and other non-assigned teams.

Benjamin went to graduate school at Illinois State University where he earned his Master's in Athletic Training. While studying, Peter worked with Illinois Wesleyan University as the head trainer for Men's Soccer and Women's Basketball while assisting with Football. In 2012, Benjamin served as the head trainer for the NCAA DIII National Champion, Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball team. Benjamin completed his undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University where he helped with their football program as well as other local colleges, high schools, and clinics.

"The Concordia athletic department embraces the faith aspect of life while also working to create a positive, competitive environment that people want to work and compete in," said Benjamin. "I believe an athletic training room should be a positive place that athletes are welcomed and treated with respect and professionalism."

Benjamin will play a vital role in the success and development of Concordia's teams while supporting the mission of the department. The athletic department exists to develop servant leaders who strive for excellence in academics, athletics, and personal growth while maturing as Christians together. The department currently has 24 varsity sports and over 500 student-athletes.

"I'm blessed and honored to be joining Concordia and I hope to make a positive impact on the student athletes and coaches along with the other athletic trainers. I respect and thank Dan Meier for what he has done and I want to thank Concordia, Lonnie, and the athletic department for giving me this opportunity."