by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
David McCarthy was a four year varsity swimmer while at Bennett.The Tigers captured the “Syracuse Cup”, awarded to the city schools swim champions, all four years of David’s tenure at Bennett. In David’s spar1<.ling swim career, he captured a total of 1 0 All-High medals and two city records. Starting in his his freshman year, McCarthy was All-High in the 1 00 yard backstroke, which turned out to be his “specialty”. McCarthy achieved 3 All-Highs, one in each of his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. The events included the 1 00 yard backstroke, 200 yard freestyle, and 400 yard free relay. The city swim records occurred in the 1 00 yard backstroke and 400 yard free relay.
McCarthy attended E.C.C. after Bennett. He is now married and a hospital wor1<.er in the state of Virginia. David is the third of the McCarthy siblings to be inducted into the Bennett Sports Hall Of Fame.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Walter was a rare 4 year starter on the varsity swim team. The Tigers were the “Syracuse Cup” champions all four years during Walter’s career. Walter was a large part of the powerhouse Bennett teams during that era that amassed a 45 consective meet winning streak. During Walter’s brilliant career at Bennett he achieved 6 All-Highs and 3 city records. The All-High events included the 100 yard backstroke (twice), 200 yard free (city record), 200 yard indidual medley, 400 yard free relay (city record) and the 100 yard breast stroke (city record).
After High School Walter continued his swimming career at Buffalo State College.
Walter Valley will be remembered as one of the best swimmers in Bennett history, in an era when the Tiger swim teams were at their strongest. Walter still resides in the Buffalo area.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Cindy Dayer graduated from Bennett in 1 980, following an illustrious athletic career that spanned four different sports. During her sophomore year, she exhibited her mastery of time management, playing varsity tennis, volleyball, basketball, and running on the cross country team.
Dayer received All-High recognition in tennis during each of her four years at Bennett. She served as team captain all four years, and finished undefeated at first singles during her senior year. Cindy was also a four year starter on the volleyball team. She was the team captain, and led the squad in scoring her sophomore season.
In cross country, she ran the first three years the Buffalo Public Schools offered women the opportunity to participate in competition. Cindy finished fourth in the All-High meet during her sophomore season, and was crowned individual city champion as a junior and senior. She also participated in the Section VI meet as a senior.
Cindy received the “Bennett High School Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year Award” three times during her superb athletic career at Bennett. She won the award, following sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Cindy credits her coaches at Bennett for their inspirational motivation that helped set the tone for her future endeavors.
After an outstanding career as a scholar and athlete at Bennett, Cindy went on to graduate from the University of Michigan. She now calls the San Diego, California area her home, and is the proud mother of three children.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Jeff Smith was an all-star athlete while at Bennett and also an all-star student, leading to what we can call a very accomplished all-star career. Athletically Jeff played varsity baseball during the 1979 and 1980 seasons, and was an All-High player on the 1979 and 1980 Bennett hockey squads. Jeff was the team MVP on two division champion hockey teams.
Academically, Jeff was the winner of the Richmond Speaking Contest, captain of the team champion Debate Team of 1979, Chairperson of the National Honor Society in 1980 and selected to the National Society of Distinguished American High School Students. After high school, Jeff graduated from Buffalo State College, Dean’s list, with a B.A. Degree in Social Work.
Jeff’s working career includes many high positions, including Horizon Health Services, Community Support Services with the YMCA, Cradle Beach Children’s Camp, and project coordinator of several drug treatment programs to name a few. He still finds time to work at one of his hobbies, coaching youth athletics.
Jeff’s late wife Karen passed away (way too soon) exactly one year ago to this very day. Jeff is the proud father of two sons, James and William, and four foster daughters. Jeff is especially proud to share this date in loving memory of Karen, with the induction of he and his sister Jennifer into the Bennett Sports Hall Of Fame.
