by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
George Voskerchian, class of 1950, is an inductee into Bennett’s 2008 Sports Hall of Fame in the category of Special Achievement. Voskerchian spent more than 35 years as a football official, including appearances at many Thanksgiving Day Harvard Cup Championship games. He officiated gridiron college games, as well as high school games, during his long tenure. Included in his list of awards is a Referee Of the Decade Award by WNY High School Sports in 1 991 , the John D. Burns Memorial Award, Section 6 Football Federation Award, NY State Association of Certified Football Officials Merit Award, and numerous citations recognizing his commitment to high school sports. During his athletic career at Bennett, Voskerchian lettered in football and track. In the fall, he displayed his churning scatback speed at running back. Legendary coach Fred Braun recognized Voskerchian’s versatility by using him on the interior line as well, depending on specific situations. Voskerchian played in the most famous high school football game in Buffalo High School annals. A record crowd of 51 ,988 fans jammed Civic Stadium on a chilly October 21 evening in 1 948 to witness the epic battle between Bennett and arch rival Kensington. Voskerchian’s speed transferred well to the track during the spring as he gained first team All-High honors as a member of the championship Bennett 880 relay team, which included Jack Scherer, Pat Dunford, and Jerry Schweibel. Voskerchian enrolled at UB upon graduation from Bennett, where a knee injury prematurely ended his football career. George ran track at UB in the 1 00 and 220 yard sprints. Voskerchian is also a member of the Harvard Cup Hall of Fame and was inducted into the UB Hall of Fame as the Russell J. Gugino Award winner. The Gugino Award honors alumni who, through time and resources, have made significant contributions to UB’s athletic program. Voskerchian currently lives in Amherst.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Walter was a rare 4 year starter on the varsity swim team. The Tigers were the “Syracuse Cup” champions all four years during Walter’s career. Walter was a large part of the powerhouse Bennett teams during that era that amassed a 45 consective meet winning streak. During Walter’s brilliant career at Bennett he achieved 6 All-Highs and 3 city records. The All-High events included the 100 yard backstroke (twice), 200 yard free (city record), 200 yard indidual medley, 400 yard free relay (city record) and the 100 yard breast stroke (city record).
After High School Walter continued his swimming career at Buffalo State College.
Walter Valley will be remembered as one of the best swimmers in Bennett history, in an era when the Tiger swim teams were at their strongest. Walter still resides in the Buffalo area.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
A rarity for our Hall of Fame inductees, Monty came to Bennett as a junior from Fairmont, CA. Monty played only two years of varsity basketball for the Tigers, but what a ride it was. The Tiger basketball teams in Monty’s brief two year career won 25 games in Yale Cup competition, and lost only 1. That winning steak of 25 games included an undefeated Yale Cup championship in 1995, and a Section VI, Class B1 title. The two year record in Section VI play was 6 wins and 1 loss. Monty, a power forward, is considered the best defensive forward in Coach Veronica’s 25 year tenure as Tiger coach. Along with his defensive and rebounding prowess, Monty managed to score 1 ,033 points over 44 games in his Bennett career. No wonder Monty was selected as 1st team All-High both years, 4th team AII-WNY as a junior, and 1st team ALL-WNY as a senior. Following his senior season, Monty played in the “Ace All Star ” contest for AII-WNY players, and was selected game “MVP” in this prestigious event. Monty went on to a stellar college basketball career locally at Daemen College.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
“Reese” came to Bennett as a sophomore after graduating from Clinton Jr. H.S. Maurice’s exceptional basketball skills were soon apparent, and he became a starter on the Tiger varsity basketball squad as a sophomore. Maurice averaged 6.2 points per game on a young developing squad that finished the year with 8 wins and 7 losses. Maurice’s good shooting eye, tricky passing and floor generalship came to the fore in his junior year, his “breakout” season. Averaging 25.3 points per game, the flashy point guard made first team All-High. During his senior year of ’75 – ’76, Maurice was again a first team All-High selection, as well as a first team AII-WNY selection. Reese led the Tigers to a 1 0 win, 3 loss Yale Cup record, and a Section VI Class B title. He also led the Yale Cup series with a 29.5 ppg. average. Maurice once scored 55 points in a game at South Park, and finished his Yale Cup career with 1 ,1 1 7 points, a school record at that time. Maurice attended College of the Desert (CA.) Junior College, and later was the starting point guard for Gannon College in Erie, PA.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Leslie accomplished a rare achievement in high school by being a 4 sport star athlete. Leslie spent her Fall seasons at Bennett as a volleyball player all 4 years, was a swimmer in the winter season her first two years and switched to basketball her final two years. In the Spring season Leslie was a 4 year standout in softball. In volleyball, Leslie was a two year All-High performer, leading scorer and team MVP. In basketball Leslie was again team MVP and rose to 2nd team “All-High” status. In softball, Leslie shined brightest as a pitcher/center fielder, and selected as 1st team “All-High” her junior and senior years. At graduation Leslie received the “Irene Stern Wilkinson Award” for being the outstanding female athlete of her class. Upon graduation, Leslie attended Canisius College. She began her college softball career as a “walk-on”, but was soon given a partial scholarship for the remaining time there. Leslie had an outstanding career at Canisius, ranking high on their all- time list in several offensive categories. Leslie rose to the level of “All MMC” as a center fielder in her senior year, and was inducted into the Canisius College Sports Hall Of Fame. Leslie now resides in Henderson, NV.
