by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
David Jay, affectionately known as “Duke” or “Uncle Dave”, has had a life long connection with sports. Like Earle Hannel himself, Dave played varsity baseball at Bennett, helping the Tigers win three consecutive Cornell Cups in 1955, ‘56 and ‘57. Both men also stayed loyal to Bennett forever, and never missed a chance to boost the city or our sports teams.
From Bennett, Dave attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn where he played varsity baseball and basketball, and coached the bowling team at Pratt. Dave graduated with a degree in Architecture. During and after Dave’s time in the U.S. Service, Dave continued his lifetime connection with sports, playing service baseball,refereeing soccer. Dave then spent 18 years as a youth baseball coach in the Virginia area, becoming Virginia State Asst. Commissioner of the Babe Ruth Leagues from 2004 to 2013.
Uncle Dave, now 75 years old, still works today, and can be found any Sunday there is a Bills game on TV at Grevey’s Restaurant in Falls Creek, VA. Dave always makes Bills and sabre games along with “Buffalo Night” a major event in the D.C. area.
Today, Dave ( a widower for 13 years ) resides in Ashburn, VA and enjoys spending time with his 3 children, 2 step daughters and 2 Grandchildren.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Sam, a versatile athlete at Bennett, played baseball, basketball and ran cross country. Not only did he receive All High honors in baseball{short stop} in 1961, Sam was named Most Outstanding Athlete that same year. He was also the captain of the ‘61 baseball and basketball teams his senior year.
After pitching a no-hitter in July, 1961, Sam entered Brockport State where he received All-State honors and the MVP award in 1964. He led the nation in stolen bases that same year and thereafter, declined a contract with the Detroit Tigers.
Sam is a retired teacher and administrator for the Buffalo Public School System. He has been married to his wife Nancy for 47 years and they are the proud parents of a son Scott, a lawyer in New York City, and daughter Aimee, a counselor at Erie Community College.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Jeff Smith was an all-star athlete while at Bennett and also an all-star student, leading to what we can call a very accomplished all-star career. Athletically Jeff played varsity baseball during the 1979 and 1980 seasons, and was an All-High player on the 1979 and 1980 Bennett hockey squads. Jeff was the team MVP on two division champion hockey teams.
Academically, Jeff was the winner of the Richmond Speaking Contest, captain of the team champion Debate Team of 1979, Chairperson of the National Honor Society in 1980 and selected to the National Society of Distinguished American High School Students. After high school, Jeff graduated from Buffalo State College, Dean’s list, with a B.A. Degree in Social Work.
Jeff’s working career includes many high positions, including Horizon Health Services, Community Support Services with the YMCA, Cradle Beach Children’s Camp, and project coordinator of several drug treatment programs to name a few. He still finds time to work at one of his hobbies, coaching youth athletics.
Jeff’s late wife Karen passed away (way too soon) exactly one year ago to this very day. Jeff is the proud father of two sons, James and William, and four foster daughters. Jeff is especially proud to share this date in loving memory of Karen, with the induction of he and his sister Jennifer into the Bennett Sports Hall Of Fame.
by Jeff | Feb 17, 2023
Jennifer was a rare gem among female athletes, having competed on four different sports teams during her tenure at Bennett H.S., achieving All-High status in two. During the fall sports season Jennifer participated in volleyball. she was the team “setter” for the city championship squad of 1982, and team Captain in her senior year of 1984. The winter sports season found Jennifer as a four year member of the swimming team, and was part of a city record setting 200 yard free relay team. She also qualified for the All-High swim meet all four years on the squad. During the spring sports season Jennifer ran track for three years, and played softball her senior year. In track, Jennifer achieved All-High status by anchoring the city record breaking 3,200m. relay team in 1984. Doing all this, Jennifer still was able to achieve the # 9 ranking in the senior class academically.
After high school, Jennifer earned her BA degree in Communications from SUNY Buffalo. She later received her MA degree in education and worked as a Special Education teacher for over 20 years. Not surprising, Jennifer became a very successful girls track coach in West Seneca. Her 10 year coaching career included many NY State meet qualifiers, and a Section VI championship track squad. Jennifer also coached high school girls volleyball for 5 years. Today, Jennifer and her family live in Kenmore, NY.
