CNU stays undefeated at home

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - It's midway through the season inside the Freeman Center and the Captains of Christopher Newport are enjoying a perfect record at home and a #15 ranking.

"To this point in the year we've really been good at our half court defense and it's carried us a long way, " said CNU Head Coach John Kirkorian.

This week a new leader has also emerged on the court, Tre Benefield.

"I'm striving to be the best I can be and I'm striving for perfection," said Benefield.

In his junior season Benefield just recently passed the 1,000 point mark. Following CNU's most recent win over LaGrange, Tre was named team captain,A title he doesn't take lightly.

"I wasn't expecting it, when I found out about it and I was surprised, but at the same time I was also honored I really thought he saw something in me to name me captain," said the newly named captain.

And Tre's coach, who they call "Coach K," doesn't just hand out the "C" to anyone.

 "We hold the standard for leadership and being a captain very very high, there's many years we've had good teams and I won't name a captain," said Coach Kirkorian.

It's been at least 8 years since the last time someone who plays for CNU's men's team was name officially "team leader," and for Tre it's been a long process too.

"When I first came here as a freshman I didn't really say much, speak unless spoken to was my motto, but I've kind of transformed," said Benefield.

Benefield scored 25 points in CNU's win over Methodist at home.

78-57 the final.