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
Brinson was a three sport star in each of her four years at Bennett. Although she was outstanding in volleyball and softball, her most proficient sport was basketball. Elvira was captain and team MVP in both her junior and senior seasons. She earned first team All-High as a senior, and set the single game scoring record for girls with an incredible 52 points in one game.
In volleyball, she was a four year player. She was the captain and team MVP in her junior and senior seasons, attaining All-High status as a senior.
Brinson was also a standout in softball, playing four years on the varsity girls softball team.
Her accomplishments led to her being named the school’s top female athlete in 1 984, her senior year. For her outstanding athletic accomplishments she earned a full scholarship to Sam Houston University in Texas.
She currently resides in Buffalo and works in the family business.
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
Pat Thayer was a multi-talented athlete who lived in the Buffalo University District. She was extremely well known for her athletic ability at her local playground besides school.
During the time that Pat attended Bennett, there was no funding for any girls’ interscholastic athletics in the entire city of Buffalo. However, Pat was a prime example of uncoached raw talent.
She was incredibly enthusiastic and instrumental in pushing for girls’ sports and was heavily involved in both intramural and pre-Title IX team activities. In 1969, students were notified of a petition asking for girls’ sports. Signatures were presented to Mr. Sikora, the principal, who essentially responded in a disregarding manner.
From 1969 to 1973, Pat was a staunch 4-year member of the Bennett bowling club. She continued bowling into her adult life and excelled tremendously.
Pat also played four years of intramural Volleyball. In her senior year, Physical Education teachers Miss Blue and Mrs. Henderson, entered a team into the Erie County Recreation Department Volleyball tournament. This was the girls first “real” competitive opportunity.
The third sport Pat was involved with was the pre-Title IX Basketball team. Pat was only one of four girls to play all four years. In her freshman year, Nottingham High School invited the girls to play their first and only game. The entire team had to walk to that school to play. Each year, more and more games were added. In her senior year, she played on the undefeated girls Bennett team that was 12-0.
Her fourth high school sport included two years of Pre-Title IX Softball. She was always a solid and dependable contributor to her team. All practices were held by Coach Mary Righetti at Shoshone Park.
Pat continued bowling after graduating, for 30 plus years and had her first perfect “300” game at Abbott Lanes in December 1996. She was the first female to bowl a “300” at Abbott Lanes and rolled games of 257, 300 and 200 for a 757 series. Pat was a member of the “Buffalo 600 Club” and finished in second place with a 286-688.
Pat was a fantastic Pre-Title IX athlete at a time when there was no “girls” Buffalo Public School funding, coaching, uniforms, practice time or transportation. WHAT IF?!
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Nicole D. Smith’s remarkable record in basketball at Bennett may never be broken. From 1998-2002 she was All High and All Western New York each year, scoring over 1.000 career points. As the old saying goes, “NOT TOO SHABBY!” Adding to her legacy, she also starred on the varsity softball and volleyball teams for all four years. To achieve 12 major letters is truly a legendary feat. In addition to her superlative athletic athletic ability she was team captain twice in basketball and volleyball in 2001 and 2002.
After graduating from Bennett she attended Daemen College and majored in Psychology. She also continued her basketball career at Daemen playing three years on the varsity attaining Honorable mention ALL League in 2003. Smith’s present profession is working as a New York State Corrections officer for the past ten years.
“When I received a phone call telling me that I was going to be inducted into the Bennett High School Sports Hall of Fame I was completely flabbergasted. Words cannot express how thrilled I am to receive this prestigious award,” Smith said.
