by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Jennifer was a rare gem among female athletes, having competed on four different sports teams during her tenure at Bennett H.S., achieving All-High status in two. During the fall sports season Jennifer participated in volleyball. she was the team “setter” for the city championship squad of 1982, and team Captain in her senior year of 1984. The winter sports season found Jennifer as a four year member of the swimming team, and was part of a city record setting 200 yard free relay team. She also qualified for the All-High swim meet all four years on the squad. During the spring sports season Jennifer ran track for three years, and played softball her senior year. In track, Jennifer achieved All-High status by anchoring the city record breaking 3,200m. relay team in 1984. Doing all this, Jennifer still was able to achieve the # 9 ranking in the senior class academically.
After high school, Jennifer earned her BA degree in Communications from SUNY Buffalo. She later received her MA degree in education and worked as a Special Education teacher for over 20 years. Not surprising, Jennifer became a very successful girls track coach in West Seneca. Her 10 year coaching career included many NY State meet qualifiers, and a Section VI championship track squad. Jennifer also coached high school girls volleyball for 5 years. Today, Jennifer and her family live in Kenmore, NY.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Christine Catalfamo-Sperrazza was a super star at Bennett High School. In 1985 she set the Buffalo City record in track in the 3200 Meter Relay with a time of 10:31. She also set school records for the 2 mile run in 13:00.4, and the 3000 Meter run in 12:07. The icing on the cake was her being voted the Most Athletic Female during her senior year at Bennett. Catalfmo-Sperazza is presently employed as a licensed speech-pathologist in the Buffalo Public Schools. She still enjoys running and remains very close with her former team mates and best friends that she met at Bennett High School.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Arthur was a varsity Cross Country and Track athlete while at Bennett. His efforts and achievements in track elevated him to this Hall Of Fame level. A versatile performer, Arthur excelled in the high jump, high hurdles, long jump and triple jump, achieving first team All-High in the high jump in both his junior and senior seasons. The Tigers won the “Scalp & Blade” track championship all three years Arthur was on the track squad. In his specialty event, the high jump, Arthur literally rose to the top setting a school, city and Section VI record with a leap of 6’ 10 3/4 “ in winning the New York State track championship. That winning height represents an incredible full 13 inches above his own actual height, unheard of in this event.
After high school, McClinton enrolled in the United States Marine Corps. His track and high jump career continued to flourish while in service, when he set the Marine Corp track record with a leap of 7’ 3/4”. This super effort qualified Arthur for the U.S. Olympic team trials.
Today Arthur McClinton resides in Buffalo and works as a barber at Bono Hair Studio on E. Delavan Ave. Arthur and his late wife have two children, Uniqua, aged 18, and Kevin aged 17.
