by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Bruce had an outstanding career recoerd in tennis at Bennett H.S. from 1961 – 1964, registering 43 wins, and only 1 loss. Bruce played 2nd singles as a freshman, and at 1st singles the rest of his career. Bruce was first team All-High in his freshman, junior and senior years, losing his one match as a sophomore. Bruce was the first freshman to be named to 1st team Al-High in the city. Bruce was the captain of the tennis team in his junior and senior years, and was named “Outstanding Male athlete” at Bennett in 1964.
Bruces’ athletic skills were not limited to tennis. He was youth speed skating champion in city and county competition as a 12 and 13 year old.Bruce was also highly successful in MUNY tennis and squash competition during his years in Buffalo.
Upon graduation, Bruce matriculated at Cornell U., where he played varsity tennis and squash. Bruce graduated from Cornell in 1969 with a degree in Engineering. Later worked as an engineer for the United States Government on our Radar Defense Systems. Currently resides in Massachusettes.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Tom McClain Jr. was a three sport athlete at Bennett who participated in swimming ( 1960), Indoor Track ( 1960 – 61 ) and Cross Country ( 1962, 63, 64 ). Tom was coached by two of Bennett’s finest coaches, Rudy Heis ( swimming ) and Elmer Rosenthal ( Indoor track and Cross Country ). As a freshman, Tom was on the swimming team, earning a major letter in the breaststroke. In Tom’s sophomore year he ran indoor track, also earning a major letter. Tom’s greatest athletic achievement came in Cross Country, where Tom was All-High three consecutive years, finishing second in the All-High Cross Country meet each of the three years.
In 1962 Tom competed in the All-High meet against ninety-six runners from twelve schools. The young sophomore’s goal was just to qualify to compete in the All-High meet, but Tom exceeded all expectations by finishing second ( first for Bennett ) in the entire city. Through hard work and determination, Tom went on to finish second in the city in both his junior and senior seasons also. A rare accomplishment in Cross Country.
Tom resides in Buffalo to this day.
