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Steven Brucato

Steven Brucato

by | Feb 17, 2023

Steve Brucato was a star performer in three sports while at Bennett. He competed three years in baseball, playing centerfield, first base and pitching, three years of football as a quarterback and kicker, along with four years of ice hockey.

Arguably, Steve may be the most prolific scorer in ice hockey to ever come out of the Buffalo Public Schools. Steve scored an incredible 70 goals in 21 games during his senior year. Steve also scored the winning goal in overtime in the league championship game. That was Steve’s 5th goal of the game, with one assist, in a 6 to 5 victory.

Steve was on the league All-Star team all four years of high school, and league MVP his junior year, and Bennett MVP his junior and senior season. Steve is still active in hockey and baseball, In 2011 Steve led his team to the Labatt Blue Pond Hockey championship, and can be found on the baseball diamond several nights a week.

Steve still resides in Buffalo, and is the manager of Gabel’s on Hertel Avenue. He also is a regular at Bennett sporting events.

Edward Finnerty

Edward Finnerty

by | Feb 17, 2023

Ed was a three sport athlete while at Bennett. His main contribution was as a distance runner. Ed lettered in Cross Country in 1957, ‘58 and ‘59, achieving first team All-High in 1959. The Bennett teams of 1957 and ‘58 won the Columbia Cup, as city champions. Ed’s distance running prowess carried over to track where he ran the 880 yard run, lettering for three years. Ed finished second in the 880 in 1958, ‘59 and ‘60. His leadership qualities led to his being named Captain of both the Cross Country and Track squads. Ed also played on the Yale Cup Champion basketball team of 1959.

Today Ed and his wife of 53 years, Fran, also a Bennett grad, live in Sanborn, NY. Ed always kept up his sports participation, competing in softball until age 67. Ed also played JFK touch football on his company team, and is still active in bowling and golf. Ed now enjoys his retirement by watching his four Grandchildren play hockey, soccer and baseball.