by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Donnie Dreyfuss played all four years on the tennis team while at Bennett. He was All High at second doubles in 1954. In 1956, he was All High at third singles on arguably the greatest high school tennis team to have ever played in the Buffalo school system. Unbelievably, all seven members of the starting team were all High and undefeated; a feat never matched in the history of Buffalo High School tennis. Dreyfuss was famous for his booming cross court forehand and a fierce competitive spirit
He continued his outstanding play at the University of Kentucky where he played as high as third singles and second doubles, competing and doing extremely well in the strong Southeastern Conference.
Presently, Dreyfuss, a retired geriatlic physician, lives in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he has lived with his lovely wife, Elisa, for over 30 years. fts proud as Dreyfuss is of his tennis accomplishments, he is even prouder of his four children, three of whom played varsity tennis while in high school. Equally impressive, is that each of his children graduated from the University of Michigan.
Heather is living and teaching in new York City. Heath, a resident in Otolaryngology, is at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Hayley is a third year medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine. Last, but certainly not least, his daughter Heidi plans to attend Columbia University Teachers College to get her Master’s Degree.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Vince McCarthy Sr. was selected as the “Earle Y. Hannel Memorial Award” recipient for this year. McCarthy Sr. is the second “Bennett Sports Booster” to be so honored. ( Jennie Di Pirro Brummer being the first). In the true spirit of the late Earle Hannel, the McCarthys did a lot for Bennett High and Bennett sports. Vince and Barbara McCarthy sent 7 children to Bennett High. Diane, Kathy, Mary Lou, Debbie, Vince Jr., David and Danny. Kathy, Vince Jr. and David are Bennett Sports Hall of Fame inductees.Diane’s tenure preceeded girls sports, and Danny was an All-High swimmer, but finished his academic career at Sweet Home H.S., where he is now varsity swim coach.
McCarthy Sr. had a hand in coaching all of his children in swimming at a local swim club, the “Water Buffalos”. Over the years, McCarthy Sr. was present at many of Bennett swim meets and practices, supporting his children and the teams.
McCarthy Sr. and his wife Barbara did much over the years to promote Bennett sports. They served as President of the Home School Association, raised funds for student activities by running a concession stand at Bills games at Rich Stadium. This required a lot of time and work. The McCarthys participated in other fund raisers as well, including selling of “tee ” shirts. For their efforts, Vincent McCarthy Sr. was honored as “Parent of the Year” by the Ctizens For Quality Education” group.
McCarthy Sr. was self-employed, and is now retired. The McCarthys presently spend their time between Buffalo and Florida. They are very proud of their children’s accomplishments at Bennett, justifiably so.
