Richard (Dick) Hennessy
High School Honors
3 letters each in Football and Track & Field from Benson Polytechnic. Graduated 1948
Post-High School Career
Roy Love PIL Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award Recipient, 2018
Dick Hennessy’s blood line in the PIL is traced through Benson Polytechnic. He was a starting lineman and made the first tackle in the first-ever Shrine All-Star 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.
Professionally, he taught History and Social Studies at Benson. As a coach he assisted in football, wrestling and track, first at Sweet Home High School for two years, then Grant for seven.
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.
Dick's legacy at Benson includes The Dick Hennessy Award which is presented to the Outstanding Senior Athlete. 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.
Commentary
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