For the Evansville audience
For those of you who read MattDanTodd Land and have connections to Evansville, you might not be too surprised to learn that Sean Bennett will be inducted in the University of Evansville Hall of Fame this month. His reaction to the announcement, along with a picture of the official letter, can be read here.
Sean and I went to the same schools together. While we didn’t always run around in the same circles, I think we always had a friendly relationship. Sean was the kind of guy that really got on your nerves in elementary school because he was so dang good at everything! His athletic ability was unmatched. He could carry a tune with the best of ’em. His artwork was astonishing. That excellence continued through high school – valedictorian, still an amazing artist, all city football player of the year. We all knew (hoped?) he’d be playing in the NFL. In spite of all the twists and turns in his college career, he was drafted by the Giants in 1999. I remember sitting in the parsonage in Danville, KY and reading the email my dad sent informing me of the Giants’ pick. I felt a hint of pride that I had known him for so long.
In 4th grade, we got to take our Health books home because they were getting new ones the next school year. Some of us had classmates sign our Health books (we didn’t have yearbooks…do they even do that in elementary school?). I think I got Sean’s autograph. I know I got his brother’s, who was in preschool. I’m sure that’s worth something, isn’t it? I’ll have to dig that up next time I’m back in Evansville.
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I too remember feeling that sense of pride when Sean was drafted into the NFL. Turned me into a Giants fan against my will for a little while. I was also devastated when he injured his knee. We didn’t run into each other a whole lot in high school but I always remember him being a good guy. Congrats Sean!!
Giants Fan
Yeah, I became a reluctant Giants fan, too. I remember we had Aiden wear his little Giants sweatsuit to our youth group Super Bowl party. I was the only one there cheering for the Giants.
By the way – who are you?
Re: Giants Fan
Yeah, this is Tracy. Might have helped to put that on there huh?
Holy Cow
You know what struck me when I read this? There must be an INCREDIBLE amount of STUFF stored in your parent’s house. Who keeps their 4th grade rejected Health Book??? I’m trying to adjust to the “keep it in case” culture, but this is somewhat extreme thinking for me. HOLY COW.
Re: Holy Cow
This is going to sound crazy, but it was lost somewhere until my Senior year of high school. Then I thought I’d keep it around in case one of the Bennetts became successful.
Although, the more I think about it, I’m sure I threw it away. I think Jeff’s signature was just a big “X” since he was really young. Oh well.
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