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Daniel W. Conley

Daniel W. Conley

by | Feb 17, 2023

Dan attended Bennett H.S. from 1973 – 1977, and was a member of the varsity football and track squads all four years. Dan was a member of the All-High two mile relay team that twice set city records in that event. Those Bennett track squads qualified for three straight Sectional Championship meets and three Intersectional meets, which Dan participated in. In football, Dan served as a co-captain who organized player run practices during a teacher strike, delaying the start of the 1976 season.

After receiving a BS Degree from SUNY Buffalo in 1982, Dan began his teaching career in Physical Education for the Diocese of Buffalo.

Over the past 30 years, Dan has taught, coached and worked for several different school districts. His greatest accomplishments as a coach took place at Turner/ Carroll H.S. Cardinal O’Hara and Seneca Vocational H.S. During his years at Turner/Caroll, Dan coached the Track teams to two titles. At Cardinal O’Hara his squads won one Track and one Cross Country championship. At Seneca, Dan’s track teams won 5 consecutive Scalp & Blade Track championships, with a dozen athletes qualifying for the NYS track championship meet. Dan has high school coaching experience in football and basketball as well. Most recently at Bennett, along with his teaching duties, Dan coached boys and girls cross country teams and swimming. His boys cross country teams have experienced 5 straight winning seasons and consecutive births to Section VI competition. Dan has the unique distinction of never having experienced a loss in Scalp & Blade track competition as a runner for Bennett ( 4 years ) and a coach for Seneca Vocational (5 years ), an enviable achievement.

Dan and his wife of 30 years, Ruthanne, currently live in Derby, NY, and are the proud parents of daughter Carla, who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and is a third year Law student.

James P. Gardon

James P. Gardon

by | Feb 17, 2023

In the summer of 1968 Jim Gardon was 13 years old and about to begin his freshman year at Bennett H.S. He had a burning desire to go out for the football team, but coaches Berkman and Mogavero felt he was too young. Undaunted and willing to contribute to the Tiger team in any way, Jim agreed to become the manager for the would be Harvard Cup Champions. Even back then, he begin to administer to minor injuries, which would actually become a precursor to his future profession.

Two short years later, as a junior, Jim was a two way starter on both the offensive and defensive lines. He remembers that once in a while, to his dismay, the coaches would take him out on the kicking teams to give him a breather. His tenacity was rewarded with All-High recognition in both the Buffalo Evening News and the Courier Express that year. Again in his senior year, despite playing on an injured ankle, Jim received 2nd team All-High recognition.

Jim competed on the track team all four years of his high school career as a shot putter. As a freshman he benefitted from practicing with the likes of Bennett icons Joe Alexander and George Shegog. Again, he matured quickly as an athlete and by his junior year he was placing first in a majority of the meets. He placed 2nd in the All High meet by a matter of 3 inches. In his senior year, Jim took first place in all meets, and lost to his teammate and friend Kosta Kobakof at the All High meet, finishing in 2 nd place again.

As a professional, Jim has enjoyed a long career as a Physical Therapist. His last full time position was at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle, where he was Director of Rehabilitation of the Transitional Care Unit. At various times, he has served on the clinical faculty at the University at Buffalo, Daemen College, D’Youville College, Niagara County Community College and Genesee Community College. Jim was the first male President of the Daemen College Alumni Board of Directors. He has been a Marilla Kiwanian for twenty-three years and is a past member of the Alden Chamber of Commerce. Jim also coached football at Amherst Central High School.

When relaxing, Jim enjoys shooting at the Polaris Shooting Club, where he has been an officer for thirty years. On the softer side, Jim is an accomplished photographer, bonsai tree grower, and wood carver. He had a first place wood carving at the Erie county Fair in 2012.

Jim feels “fortunate to have a chosen profession that affords me the opportunity to assist others who have a physical impairment in attaining their maximum level of
physical independence”.

James E. Graves

James E. Graves

by | Feb 17, 2023

Jimmy was an outstanding basketball star for Bennett in the late 60’s. Coach Jerry Berkman often referred to Jimmy as : the best basketball player I ever coached “. Jimmy was “Honorable Mention” All-High as a junior in 1968, and first team All-High in his senior season in 1969.

That year he was also recognized as Honorable Mention All WNY. His basketball prowess was further recognized when popular Dell Magazine named Jimmy a “Top 500”basketball recruit.

Jimmy earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Buffalo in 1969, and later played for Point Park College in Pittsburgh, PA in 1971 and 1972.

After college Jimmy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he continued his basketball career from 1973 to 1981. He was named to numerous All-Air Force squads during his playing career in the military. Jimmy is also a Viet Nam veteran.

Jimmy’s work career was with Civil Service, and now resides in Oakland, CA. He is the proud father of a daughter, 3 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild.

Herbert Hasan

Herbert Hasan

by | Feb 17, 2023

Herb was a two sport All-High distance runner for Bennett. A two year varsity Cross Country runner, Herb finished in third place in the All High meet in 1971. and led the undefeated Tigers to the Columbia Cup championship. Herb was a three year track athlete, earning All-High honors in the two mile run in 1972. The Tigers won the Scalp and Blade track championship in 1970 and 1972.

Herb’s success in distant running continued after Bennett, where he gained All-SUNY Cross Country honors for Albany State University. The 1973 Albany State team finished in second place in the NCAA championship track meet in their division. Herb finished his career at SUNY Buffalo, becoming the #1 runner on the U.B. Cross Country squad.

Herb still resides in Buffalo and is a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church, where he worked as a van driver for 15 years.

Darnell Kimble

Darnell Kimble

by | Feb 17, 2023

Darnell Kimble was a four year member of the Bennett varsity basketball team from 2000 to 2004. Darnell averaged 23.2 points per game as a junior, enabling him to earn All-WNY Honorable Mention. As a senior, Darnell boosted his scoring average to a very respectable 29.7 ppg, placing him as a first team All-High selection in the Yale Cup league, and third team All-WNY selection. Darnell went on to play at Brown Mackie Junior College in 2005 and 2006, then moved up to Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas for his junior and senior seasons.

Darnell has the distinction of being our first Bennett Hall of Famer inducted from the 2,000’s. Darnell still resides in Buffalo.