The Hall of Fame Committee for the NCAA II Wrestling Coaches Association inducted four members into its hall of fame on March 13, including former UNI wrestler Gary Bentrim.

The 13th class of inductees includes four individuals being inducted into the Athletes category. The hall of famers that are being inducted into the Athletes category include: Gary Bentrim, wrestler at the University of Northern Iowa from 1974-1978; Howie Gangestad, wrestler at Minnesota State University-Mankato from 1962-1965; Larry Amundson, wrestler at Minnesota State University-Mankato from 1965-1968; and Tony Kenning, wrestler at Minnesota State University-Mankato from 1994-1996.

Gary Bentrim's wrestling career began in Cedar Rapids, Iowa wrestling for Jefferson High School. During his high school career he compiled an 82-8-1 record. During his junior year, he recorded a 28-1 record in placing second in the Iowa State Championships. As a senior, he went undefeated with a record of 27-0 at 126 pounds winning the 1973 individual state title and led his Jefferson High School team, coached by Bill McNeil, to the Iowa class AAA State Championship. Following his high school graduation, he placed third in Freestyle and fourth in Greco-Roman at the Junior Olympic Nationals.

Gary enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa in the fall of 1973 to wrestle for NCAA II Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Patten. He had a phenomenal career wrestling for the Panthers. During his first two years at UNI, he wrestled behind NCAA II Hall of Famers Jim Miller and Ken Snyder. When he finally got his opportunity, he made the most of it and won three consecutive NCAA II National Championships. In 1976, he won the 142 pound championship, and his team placed third. In 1977 he again won the 142 pound championship and his team again placed third. In 1978, Gary's season was marred with injuries and he missed several competitions. Not wanting to bump out wrestlers that had competed most of the season at 142 and 150 pounds, he entered the nationals up two weights at 158 pounds. He was still able to win his third national title and this time he helped lead his team to the NCAA II National Championships. He became the third NCAA II wrestler to win three national championships. He also won three North Central Conference Championships. He ended his collegiate career with a record of 63-9-4 and graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology, Physical Education and Health & Safety Education.

Since graduation he has worked in various engineering and managerial positions and is currently the Director of Technical Publications for Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Gary was inducted into the Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1974 and the University of Northern Iowa's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. He was also named to the North Central Conference's All-Centry team in 1997.

Gary resides in Solon, Iowa with his wife Denise. They have three children, son Ryan, daughters Tiffany and Jenni, and son-in-law Scott.