North Park University Athletics

2024: Named a First Team All-CCIW selection as a linebacker ... Seemingly involved in every play, posting double-digit tackles in five conference games this season ... His impact and statistics on the field matched with his leadership of the North Park defensive and team as a captain, landing him with his first all-conference honor ...  Bender racked up 88 total tackles (49 solo, 39 assisted), 5.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 2 pass breakups ... 13 tackles vs. WashU (Nov. 16) ... Had a forced fumble and two tackles for loss at Augustana (Oct. 5)

All-CCIW writeup: Bender, a senior from Mt. Zion, Illinois, was arguably the heartbeat of the Viking defense, leading the team in total tackles this year (80) while being second in the CCIW in total tackles and second in solo tackles (47), three shy of fellow Viking Ben Butler.  Bender was also fifth in the CCIW in assisted tackles (33), highlighting his knack for always being around the ball and making plays. He had double-digit tackles in five different games this season, including a career high 13 against WashU.

2023: Third on the team with 42 tackles to his credit, 24 solo … Credited with a pass breakup, interception, and quarterback hurry … Season high 10 tackles against No. 1 North Central (Oct. 28) … Had seven tackles against Illinois Wesleyan (Oct. 14) and at Augustana (Oct. 21).