BENNETT BEACON

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John Cottis

John Cottis

by | Feb 17, 2023

Cottis was one of the greatest football tackles of his era and was selected All-High in both 1941 and 1 942. His teams won Harvard Cup championships in 1 940 and 1 941. John was named a captain of the 1 942 team.


As quoted from the Courier Express 1942 All-High edition, “John is a double shooter on the Tiger team, shifting from spot to spot on defense depending where the opposition runs its strongest plays.”

Cottis during the season played guard as well as tackle. The 1941 Buffalo Evening News All-High edition wrote, “Cottis played end on defense and made tackles all over the field. On offense he pulled out of the line and opened holes to lead many of Bennett’s plays.”

The versatile Cottis was unanimously recognized as one of the finest football players in Western New York in the early 1 940’s.

Ken Parr

Ken Parr

by | Feb 17, 2023

Parr starred in two sports at Bennett in the mid 50’s. In basketball, he was the star of the Bennett team, leading the Tigers to the Yale Cup in his senior year. He led the Tigers in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots. His 21 ppg average was good for second in the Yale Cup series.


Parr was named first team All-High in both the Buffalo Evening News and Courier Express following his senior season. He represented Bennett in three post-season all-star games following his senior season, and was awarded the “Mr. Basketball” trophy. Parr was a tough shooter and rebounder inside and had an uncanny soft touch from the outside.


In basebal l, Parr was one of the players who was instrumental in leading Bennett to the Cornell Cup Championships in 1 957 with a 3-2 win over Riverside at Offermann Stadium (formerly the Buffalo Bisons home field). His sixth inning single drove in the winning run in the championship game. Parr completed an errorless season in 1 957 at first base.


Following graduation, Parr went on to the University of Buffalo on a basketball scholarship. After a very successful career, he was inducted into the UB Sports Hall of Fame. He has since retired after a 35 year career as a physical education teacher and coach in Buffalo and Kenmore.