| School: Benson, Merit Award | Graduation Year: 1948 |
Year Inducted: 2018
Sports Played: Merit, Coach
High School Honors: 3 letters each in Football and Track & Field from Benson Polytechnic.
Post High School Career: Education
Dick Hennessy’s blood line in the PIL is traced through Benson Polytechnic, where he earned 3 letters each in Football and Track & Field. He was a starting lineman at the first ever Shrine All-Star Game and made the first tackle in that first game. He played a year each on the OSU Rook team and at Grays Harbor JC and finished as a two-way lineman at Lewis & Clark College.
Teaching / Coaching Career
In the classroom he was a History/Social Studies teacher. As a Coach he assisted in Football, Wrestling, and Track, first at Sweet Home High School for 2 years and Grant for 7. Highlights in a 21-year career at Benson included Head Football Coach from 1965-70 and Athletic Director from 1971-75, while assisting in Wrestling and Track. His legacy at Benson includes The Dick Hennessy Award going to the Outstanding Senior Athlete.
In reflecting, Dick says, “Success in life requires honesty and integrity to be passed on to the next generation.” He more than did his part as an esteemed Teacher and Coach at Benson Tech.
