Bennie J. George facts for kids
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 27, 1919 Atlanta, Georgia |
| Died | August 4, 1986 (aged 67) Dover, Delaware |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| c. 1942–1945 | Delaware State |
| Basketball | |
| c. 1945 | Delaware State |
| Baseball | |
| c. 1945 | Delaware State |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1955 | Delaware State (assistant) |
| 1956–1958 | Delaware State |
| Basketball | |
| 1956–1971 | Delaware State |
| Baseball | |
| 1957–1959 | Delaware State |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 16–8–1 (football) 155–152 (basketball) 23–15 (baseball) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| Football CIAA (1956) |
|
Bennie Johnson "Catfish" George (born June 28, 1919 – died August 4, 1986) was a very important coach in American sports. He coached American football, basketball, and baseball. He is best known for his time at Delaware State University.
Bennie George was the head football coach at Delaware State from 1956 to 1958. During these years, his team had a record of 16 wins, 8 losses, and 1 tie. He also made history as the very first basketball head coach for Delaware State. He led the basketball team, known as the Hornets, for 14 seasons. This was from 1956 to 1971. His basketball team won 155 games and lost 152. He holds the record for being the longest-serving basketball coach at Delaware State.
George was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He went to Morehouse College and then to Delaware State. Before becoming a head coach, he worked as an assistant football coach at Delaware State in 1955. He learned a lot from the head coach at the time, Edward Jackson.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bennie George finished high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta. After high school, he served in the United States Army during World War II. This was a very important time in his life.
In 1943, he came to Delaware State as a student. He was a talented athlete and played football, basketball, and baseball for the university. He graduated in 1947.
Career at Delaware State
After graduating, Bennie George returned to Delaware State in 1949. He started as a physical education instructor. He was very dedicated to his work.
Over time, he was promoted to associate professor. Later, he became the head of the health and education department. He held this important position until he retired in 1979. Bennie George passed away on August 4, 1986, in Dover, Delaware.
Coaching Achievements
Bennie George had a successful coaching career across multiple sports.
Football Coaching
As the head football coach for the Delaware State Hornets, George led his team to a great achievement in 1956. They tied for first place in the CIAA conference. This was a major championship win for the team. His overall football record was 16 wins, 8 losses, and 1 tie.
Basketball Coaching
George coached the Delaware State men's basketball team for 14 seasons. He led them to 155 victories. He is still remembered as a very important figure in the program's history.
Baseball Coaching
Bennie George also coached the Delaware State baseball team. He led them for three seasons, from 1957 to 1959. His baseball teams had a record of 23 wins and 15 losses. This shows his versatility as a coach across different sports.
