Delbert “Moon” Mullens graduated from Bennett in 1962. During his high school days, he achieved greatness as a track and cross country star.
In autumn cross country running, Mullens earned major letters in each of his 4 years as a Bennett Tiger. He was named All High during his senior year, and contributed heavily toward Bennett’s capturing 2 Columbia Cups, emblematic of city supremacy in cross country running.
Del also was a 4 year major letter winner in spring track. Using his gift of blazing speed, he held Bennett records in the 220 yard dash, the 440 yard dash, and shared the 880 yard relay mark with 3 team mates. The 1962 Bennett 880 thinclads, anchored by the mercurial Mullens, broke a 23 year old city record, blazing to a 1 minute 32 second mark. Mullens ran the anchor leg in an exceptional :21.3.
Not one to rest on his laurels, “Moon” continued to strive for excellence by training hard in the summer months. Here is a summary of Del’s best high school and summer achievements:
Event
100
220
440
880
Bennett High School:
10.1 seconds
:22.4 seconds
:50.7 seconds
1 :59.5 1 :58.0
Summer Times
:09.9 seconds
:21.3 seconds
:49.5 seconds
Included in Del’s resume are 4 individual age group records, 2 records on relay teams, 14 city and state age group records, and runner up in 2 New York State open 400 meter races.
He earned 4 All High medals during his Bennett career.
In 1962, Mullens received the Fred Braun Award as Bennett’s outstanding senior athlete.
After graduating from Bennett, Del Mullens attended Tennessee State.