Collected Wisdom: Jeff Bennett, 1972 Olympian and Oklahoma Christian associate dean of students

Jeff Bennett

As reported in The Oklahoman:

Jeff Bennett is Oklahoma Christian’s associate dean of students and an assistant track and field coach at the school.
Forty years ago, he was living the Olympic dream, competing for the U.S. in the decathlon at the 1972 Games in Munich. Bennett narrowly missed winning a medal, finishing a close fourth at those games, which were marred by tragedy when terrorists killed 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.
A four-time NAIA All-American and a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame, Bennett still holds the OC records in the 400 hurdles and decathlon.

Read the full story.

• Feedback
  Good to hear that Jeff Bennett is doing well! I remember as a 6th grader at Jacksonville Christian School in Jax, FL (my goodness, that was 40 years ago as well!) hearing Mr. Bennett speak to us in chapel after his Olympic feats. I believe I still have his autograph on a small slip of paper from that day. Keep up the good work, brother!

  Alan Henderson

  August, 14 2012

  I did not know that Jeff was back at OC. I wonder if he remembers being the Ohio Valley University High School Day keynoter back in the mid-70’s? We took him down to the local TV station to help promote the occasion. I thought he would be interviewed by one of the sportscasters, but instead it was the weatherman who stepped in front of the camera, stuck a microphone in his face and asked him, “Jeff, tell me exactly what is a decathlon?” I was mortified, but it didn’t appear to bother Jeff. He answered the question very politely.

  Dennis Cox

  August, 16 2012