It happens every two years.
A flame starts in Olympia, Greece and travels through countries and occasionally continents on a journey to its final destination on the blazing Olympic torch. The places that host the Olympics and the participants in the games are transient, but the tradition stands unfaltering. This year’s Olympic torch is camping in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
When the Olympic Torch burned in Munich, Germany for the 1972 Games, Oklahoman Jeff Bennett was there to represent the United States in the men’s decathlon. Bennett placed fourth that year, missing the bronze medal by a mere 10 points.
“When I made the Olympic team, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. However, I had my best year as a decathlete in 1973,” said Bennett. “As I look back today, I have come to realize what an accomplishment it was. Not many athletes can say they represented their country in the Olympic games.”
Vinita, Oklahoma
Bennett grew up with his grandmother and siblings in the Northeastern town of Vinita, Oklahoma, where he spent his childhood running and adventuring around town with other kids from the neighborhood. He discovered the sport of pole vaulting after watching the 1960 Olympics on television.
“My favorite event has always been the pole vault; watching the Olympic pole vault on TV when I was a youngster is what got me interested in track. I worked hard in school to get good grades,” said Bennett. “I also worked hard in track because I wanted to be successful.”
The notion that he might one day compete at the Olympics, though, wasn’t even a thought.
Bennett is diverse as an athlete. His talents on the track are accompanied by practice in pole vaulting, throwing shot puts, long jumps, hurdles —a catalogue of activities that caught his interest.
“The transition from high school to college was a shock,” says Bennett, who attended Oklahoma Christian University. “My college track coach, Ray Vaughn, required much more quality running from the field event athletes.
He saw my potential in several events and suggested I try the decathlon. After my first year of competing in the decathlon, I qualified for the 1968 Olympic trials. I finished fifth in the final trials. The top three competitors earn a spot on the Olympic team. That is when I got excited. I figured if I worked hard for the next four years I could move up to one of the three spots.”
72' Olympics
Bennett’s goals were realized when he made it to Germany for the 72’ Summer Olympics.
The games are marked with triumph and signify unity for participants and the countries they represent. The 1972 Games, however, were marred by the violence of the Munich Massacre. A group of terrorists broke into Olympic village, held hostage and eventually killed nine Israeli athletes, coaches and officials.
In comparison to the political climate then, this past year has seen terror attacks in several forms. As a response to the major terrorist attacks that recently occurred in Europe, Brazil has taken steps to raise security at the Rio de Janeiro games.
“It is hard to say what the best way to respond to his sort of conflict and unrest is,” Bennett said. “I think the Brazilian intelligence community must be very diligent in their monitoring terrorist groups.”
He recounted that in Germany, officials visibly tightened security after the attack. “That made the games feel safe. I think most continued to concentrate on their events because of the official response. I feel like it was a good decision to continue and finish the games.”
Bennett seems to be a man of commitment. He has been married to his wife for 34 years, his relationship with athletics has stretched across a lifetime, and he’s had a similarly long-term liaison with education. Over the course of 28 years, Bennett has functioned as a teacher, counselor, administrator and coach.
Coach Bennett
Bennett’s interest in education sprouted in junior high when a stimulating science teacher not only piqued his interest in the subject but also teaching.
The exchange between educator and learner sees a mingling of ideas and advice. Bennett values the effective, and straightforward. “Coach Vaughn stressed the value of perseverance in striving for a goal. I find myself telling students to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.”
Bennett recently retired from his position as OC’s associate dean of students. He will continue as an assistant track and field coach at his alma mater.
“At age 68 I am not as agile as I once was. However, I still enjoy passing on some of my knowledge and experience to the athletes I am coaching now. “
As for the transition into retirement, Bennett already has plans for his freshly freed up time.
“I have a small antique booth in Guthrie, Oklahoma so I will be looking for items for my inventory. I also plan to improve my golf game and spend some quality time with my two grandchildren.”
After a brief reflection he added, “I may do a little fishing.”