by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
John came to Bennett from Buffalo School #63 in the fall of 1953. Sensing the spirited winning tradition of athletics at Bennett, he soon joined the baseball and basketball teams.
Showing his baseball versatility as both an infielder and a pitcher, Decarolis starred on three consecutive Cornell Cup baseball championship teams from 1955-57. In his junior year, DeCarolis hurled a five hitter at Offermann Stadium, striking out six batters along the way, as Bennett defeated Grover Cleveland 5-2 to finish undefeated. It was his fourth win of his junior year as a pitcher, and helped pace the Tigers to the crown in the city championship game. /ls a senior in 1957, performing at second base and as a pitcher, DeCarolis was a key component as the Bennett baseball team again finished undefeated. By winning over Riverside 3-2, the Tigers completed the “hat trick” of three straight baseball championships.
For his stellar infield play and timely hitting, he was named first team All-High after his senior year as a second baseman.
Decarolis played three years of basketball at Bennett He was a heady guard on the 1 957 Tiger team that won the Yale Cup championship, emblematic of city supremacy on the hardwood.
Following graduation from Bennett, DeCarolis went on to Cortland State and lettered as a baseball and soccer player. After a career of more than 30 years as a Physical Education teacher and coach in the Kenmore School system, he retired in 1996. He now resides on Grand Island.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Donnie Dreyfuss played all four years on the tennis team while at Bennett. He was All High at second doubles in 1954. In 1956, he was All High at third singles on arguably the greatest high school tennis team to have ever played in the Buffalo school system. Unbelievably, all seven members of the starting team were all High and undefeated; a feat never matched in the history of Buffalo High School tennis. Dreyfuss was famous for his booming cross court forehand and a fierce competitive spirit
He continued his outstanding play at the University of Kentucky where he played as high as third singles and second doubles, competing and doing extremely well in the strong Southeastern Conference.
Presently, Dreyfuss, a retired geriatlic physician, lives in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he has lived with his lovely wife, Elisa, for over 30 years. fts proud as Dreyfuss is of his tennis accomplishments, he is even prouder of his four children, three of whom played varsity tennis while in high school. Equally impressive, is that each of his children graduated from the University of Michigan.
Heather is living and teaching in new York City. Heath, a resident in Otolaryngology, is at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Hayley is a third year medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine. Last, but certainly not least, his daughter Heidi plans to attend Columbia University Teachers College to get her Master’s Degree.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Carmen Iannaccone, class of 1957, enjoyed a distinguished 2 sport career at Bennett. A transfer from Grover Cleveland High School, Carmen benefited from his Bennett Tiger experience as much as any athlete in the long tradition of orange and blue athletics. Getting caught up in the sprit of Bennett, Iannaccone made tremendous strides to become an All High performer in baseball and basketball.
Iannaccone helped lead Bennett to 3 team championships, 2 in baseball, and 1 in basketball.
In his junior year, Carmen proved to be a sure fielding baseball shortstop with a strong throwing arm, as well as a dangerous hitter in the powerful Bennett lineup. He consistently contributed both defensively and offensively, toward Bennett’s march to the Cornell Cup. The cup is emblematic of baseball supremacy in the Buffalo Public School league.
As a senior in 1957, Carmen was named to the Buffalo News and Courier Express All High baseball teams. He batted well over .400 and executed sparkling defensive plays from his shortstop position. Bennett again won the Cornell Cup, defeating Riverside 3-2, at Offermann Stadium. After the 1957 basketball season, Iannaccone was named to the Buffalo News All High team. He starred as a playmaking guard, defensive stalwart, and superb floor general. His strong play was a vital cog in the Tigers Yale Cup city championship team.
During his collegiate career at Buffalo State, Carmen continued to excel in baseball and basketball. In 1985, he was named to the Buffalo State College Sports Hall of Fame.
Upon graduation from Buffalo State College in 1961, Carmen played several years as a professional baseball player in the Baltimore Oriole’s farm system. A highlight was being named to the All Star team in the Western Carolina League, as a Salisbury Brave. His high level of play in minor league ball, as well as his accomplishments over many many years in local amateur leagues, enabled him to be inducted into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame.
A recently retired Professor of Exceptional Education at his alma mater, Buffalo State College, Carmen now resides in Derby, NY.
