LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dick Bennett upon the occasion of his
induction into the Schenectady School District Athletic Hall of Fame on
September 14, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those outstanding athletes who inspired and brought pride to
their school and community by achieving outstanding success in competi-
tion, attaining unprecedented success and the highest level of personal
achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dick
Bennett upon the occasion of his induction into the Schenectady School
District Athletic Hall of Fame on September 14, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Considered one of the greatest players of the Sig Makofski
era, Dick Bennett played varsity basketball at Mont Pleasant High School
from 1937 to 1940, finishing with an overall record of 56-4 during his
three-year career; he changed his named from Bednarkiewicz to Bennett in
1944; and
WHEREAS, Dick Bennett played on Mont Pleasant High School Basketball
Teams that won 37 consecutive games and defeated several college fresh-
man squads; in addition, the team captured League Championships during
his junior and senior seasons and the 1938-39 squad went undefeated; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Mont Pleasant High School, Dick Bennett
attended Michigan State and played parts of two seasons at Siena,
including being a member of Dan Cunha's first team; and
WHEREAS, A starter on the 1941-42 Siena Men's Basketball Team, Dick
Bennett averaged 15 points per game and played a key role in the 37-34
victory over Philadelphia powerhouse Villanova; World War II interrupted
his collegiate career and he showed his love for his country by serving
proudly in the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Dick Bennett played pro basketball in the New York State
League for the Schenectady Comets in 1946 and later played for the Sche-
nectady Packers in the American Basketball League; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Mont Pleasant Sports Hall of Fame, Dick
Bennett also played exhibition games against the Harlem Globetrotters,
featuring Goose Tatum and Marques Haynes, and the Rochester Royals; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Dick Bennett and to wish him contin-
ued success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dick Bennett upon the occasion of his induction into the Schenec-
tady School District Athletic Hall of Fame on September 14, 2009; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dick Bennett.