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Joe Flood

Joe Flood

by | Feb 17, 2023

Joe Flood came to Bennett High School from Public School #37. Joe was the tenth child and seventh son in a family of ten children. His family’s roots were established in Center Ridge, Arkansas. At Bennett Joe lettered tour years in football and led the Tigers on a fifteen game winning streak that included Harvard Cups in his Junior and Senior years. Joe’s outstanding play resulted in first team All High in his Junior and Senior years. He was a dominating player on offense as a center and defense as a middle linebacker.

From Bennett Joe attended North Carolina A&T. He played center at A&T tor tour years. In his junior and senior years Jesse Jackson was A&T’s quarterback. Together they led their team to winning seasons. Joe graduated with a degree in Sociology. It was in college that he met his future wife Barbara L. Rainey. While obtaining his Masters Degree at Howard University Joe and Barbara were married.

Upon graduation from Howard, Joe started teaching at American University. Besides teaching Joe was a bit of an entrepreneur opening a dress shop in downtown Washington called the “Red Lantern”. It was during this time that Joe and Barbara became the proud parents of their daughter Renee. Joe’s graduation from college inspired all his siblings to obtain college diplomas. If Joe can overcome a severe speech impediment and obtain two degrees “I can too”. Joe passed away in 1971.

Jeff Arnone

Jeff Arnone

by | Feb 17, 2023

Over Bennett High School’s eighty three year existence, there have been a few student athletes that contributed immediately as freshmen. Of those few, Jeff Arnone certainly stands out. In his first season as a member of the Bennett Tiger baseball team; Jeff started at shortstop, hit several home runs, RBl’s and scored in every game played. His overall performance was a significant contribution to a team that won the 1976 Cornell Cup.

During his sophomore year, Jeff continued to flourish as the starting shortstop for the baseball team and joined the football team as the back up Quarterback. It was during his junior year that Jeff took over the starting position at Quarterback and led the team to its first win of the season, defeating Emerson 12 to 8. The following spring, the third year starter at shortstop was named captain of the baseball team and was selected to the first of three All High Honors (two for baseball, one for football).

Jeff”s senior year was magnificent. In football as the starting quarterback and safety, Jeff led his team to a 5-1 -1 record. In baseball Jeff was part of a memorable season that included a second place finish in the Cornell Cup and an upset victory over three time sectional champion Dunkirk. With the help of his teammates Jeff scored the winning run that sealed the victory and put Bennett High School in its first sectional championship game.

Throughout his entire baseball career, Jeff was solid hitter as well as an excellent defensive player. He continued to play baseball after high school. He was an active participant on both legion and MUNY ball clubs, and played college baseball at Buffalo State; where he was named captain in his final season.

Today Jeff is a twenty year veteran of the Buffalo Fire Department. He is married to his wife of 23 years, RoseMary, and they live in North Buffalo with their three children Jeffrey, Carlie and Tom. Jeff Arnone credits coach Jerry Berkman for teaching him how to be a good sportsman; and for passing on important life skills that he continues to reinforce as a parent, little league coach, and firefighter.

Herb Johnston Jr

Herb Johnston Jr

by | Feb 17, 2023

Herb was All-High in tennis at Bennett during his junior and senior years. When he received All-High status at 2nd singles in 1955 he was arguably part of the greatest high school tennis teams in the history of Western New York competition. Each of the seven players on that team were All-High selections, as the team went undefeated in league play. Members of that team including Johnston Jr. went on to win over 30 city tennis titles in different divisions.

Although Johnston Jr. was recognized as an outstanding player, he was equally renowned for becoming the first player of note to hit a two-handed backhand in WNY. With this deadly shot he was able to produce uncanny winners and angles as he frustrated many opponents with this deadly weapon.

Johnston went on to star at Cornell University in singles and doubles and was a three time winner in the Men’s Muny Doubles competition.

A lawyer by profession he was also a Buffalo City Court Judge and held many prestigious positions in city government

George Voskerchian

George Voskerchian

by | 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.

Walter Valley

Walter Valley

by | 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.