BENNETT BEACON

DONATE

Fred Helmer

Fred Helmer

by | Feb 17, 2023

Fred was one of the greatest all-around athletes at Bennett High School. He earned major letters in football, baseball, and basketball. He was All-High football in 1 943 and second team All-High football in 1942. He was a triple threat back and one of the best punters the Harvard Cup has ever seen. He played shortstop and was a pitcher on the 1 943 Cornell Cup baseball team and a guard on the Bennett basketball team.


After graduation, he went into the Navy. Fred played softball (fastball) for many years and was considered one of the best pitchers, if not the best of his time. He is in the softball Hall of Fame.

Jack Hartmayer

Jack Hartmayer

by | Feb 17, 2023

Jack was a two year starter on the Harvard Cup football championship teams of 1940 and 1941. He was a unanimous selection on the All-High first team in 1941, and was Honorable Mention in 1940. Jack played left end. During the 1941 Harvard Cup championship game, Jack blocked a Technical H.S. field goal attempt, which helped Bennett obtain a share of the Harvard Cup. The game ended in a scoreless tie.


Jack was a first baseman on the varsity baseball team, and was known as a good hitter. Jack hit one of the longest home runs ever seen at Houghton Park.


Upon retirement, Fred Braun talked about Jack in an article about his very best athletes. Jack was referred to as “a great end.”


Jack served in the army during WWII, and later became a police officer in Buffalo, NY. He spent the last 18 years of his 31 year career in the police department as a detective. Jack was also a member of the department’s drill team before he retired in 1981. Jack was recognized on several occasions for outstanding police work.