by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Robert “Bobby” Higgs was one of the most prolific runners to perform in Western New York in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. His Bennett cross-country career began in the Fall of 1969, his Sophomore year, and steadily improved on an annual basis. In his Junior year he was All-High (finishing 3rd overall) and in his Senior year he was All-High as the #1 Cross-Country runner in the City.
As impressive as his Cross-Country skills were, he excelled even more for Bennett in the Scalp and Blade track competition. In the Spring of 1969, Bobby was the only Freshman to start on the varsity track team, running what would become his trade mark 880 in every meet that year. In his Senior year (1972), the All-High track meet was cancelled because of gang fights, but All-High medals were awarded to the athletes that had the best times in each event during the regular season meet schedule. Bobby received the most medals (4) of any athlete in the City, for the 880, mile, two mile and two mile relay. He won every race in every event he competed that year. In a unique coaching strategy in his Senior year, Bobby ran the 440, mile and two mile races only one time during the regular season, when he was paired against the best runners in those events in order to “steal” first place points in tight contests. He beat the runners every time in their specialty events. He culminated his stellar career by representing Section VI at the State meet in New York City, in the 880.
Bobby is a well-respected Board of Education employee at City Honors School and admired by the City Honors family, who because of his humble ways have known little about his prior athletic prowess … until now!
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Bernice Beeks was an excellent multi-sport athlete with limitless potential. Unfortunately, in the Pre-Title IX era, girls in the Buffalo public high schools had no opportunity to participate in interscholastic sports. Before 1975, their only options were sports clubs, intramural volleyball, or joining a student run Pre-Title IX team.
Bernice played 4 years of intramural volleyball which was run by P.E. teacher Miss Blue. She also played 2 seasons of Pre-Title IX basketball. The girls on the team purchased their own uniforms and took city buses to games. Prior to their 1971 – ‘72 season, Bern hand sewed all the team members’ numbers onto the front and back of their uniform shirts. Practices were held in backyards, at the Kensington Playground and the Delaware Park Courts. In bad weather, practice took place on the 2nd floor hallway of Bennett with a trash can as a substitute for a hoop. Games were played against C.Y.O. teams, private, and Catholic schools. Bern was a vital member of a scrappy team that represented Bennett and the Buffalo public schools well. Thanks to her speed, jumping ability, and defense; her 1971 – ‘72 team had a 10 Win – 2 Loss season. One can only imagine how good she would have been with proper coaching and regular practices. She also played 2 seasons of Pre-Title IX softball. Those practices were held at Shoshone Park. She was also a 2-year member of the Bennett Horseback Riding Club of which Miss Blue was faculty adviser.
After high school, Bern continued her athletic pursuits. For 9 years, she played outfield for the “Soulful Queens” of the Buffalo Softball League. There, she won the Most Home Runs and 2 MVP trophies. She has been playing volleyball for “Hannah’s Team” for over 17 years at Houghton Park. She also bowled in the General Mills Ladies League. Her team the “Lucky Charms” won 2 First Place trophies. A couple of years ago. she took up a new sport – Pickleball. Just as in high school, if sports are being played, Bern is there.
Bernice recently retired from her job at General Mills. Her sons Tyrone, 46 and Nathaniel, 38 both played football for Seneca High School and the Lackawanna Dynasty. These days, Bern can be found in local gyms and parks instilling the love of sports and the benefit of an active lifestyle in her grandchildren.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Herb was a two sport All-High distance runner for Bennett. A two year varsity Cross Country runner, Herb finished in third place in the All High meet in 1971. and led the undefeated Tigers to the Columbia Cup championship. Herb was a three year track athlete, earning All-High honors in the two mile run in 1972. The Tigers won the Scalp and Blade track championship in 1970 and 1972.
Herb’s success in distant running continued after Bennett, where he gained All-SUNY Cross Country honors for Albany State University. The 1973 Albany State team finished in second place in the NCAA championship track meet in their division. Herb finished his career at SUNY Buffalo, becoming the #1 runner on the U.B. Cross Country squad.
Herb still resides in Buffalo and is a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church, where he worked as a van driver for 15 years.
