Ray Skaine was a standout athlete in football and track for Bennett during the 1 950’s. As a junior in 1 955, he was honorable mention All-High in football. Following his superb 1 956 senior season, Skaine was named first team All-High as an interior lineman by both the Buffalo Evening News and the Buffalo Courier Express. On the gridiron, his proficiency as a tackle and special teams place kicker, were major contributions for a Bennett Tiger’s team that defeated McKinley 9-6, in the annual Thanksgiving Day game at All-High Stadium.
In the most successful season of his four year career, Bennett finished 6-2, including a memorable defeat of East High, the eventual co-champion of the Harvard Cup campaign in 1 956. In addition to his All-High honors, Skaine received recognition as All-American Honorable Mention in Scholastic Magazine.
In track & field, Skaine was a heavy point contributor to Bennett’s cause as a shot put specialist. He was one of only a few boys to represent Bennett in the 1 957 All-High track meet.
Following his athletic career at Bennett, Ray matriculated at UB and played on the 1 958 Lambert Cup Championship team for Buffalo, the team finishing with an 8-1 record.
Skaine now plays an active role in numerous community organizations, including the Bennett High School volunteer mentoring program. He is married to a former Bennettonian, Sandy Markham. They have raised 3 children in Clarence, NY. where they have lived for the past several decades.