July 17, 2024
Contact Chris Sanger at 608-796-3070 or cmsanger@viterbo.edu
VITERBO UNIVERSITY TO PRESENT FAMED COLLEGE BASKETBALL COACHES DICK BENNETT AND TONY BENNETT WITH SAINT JOHN XXIII AWARD AUG. 7; LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Viterbo University will present famed father and son college basketball coaches Dick Bennett and Tony Bennett with the Saint John XXIII Award for Distinguished Service at an awards dinner Wednesday, Aug. 7 in the Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby.
The Saint John XXIII Award is the highest non-academic award bestowed by Viterbo University. Recipients are chosen on the basis of contributions in one or several of the following categories: education, business, philanthropy, peace and justice, and religious life.
The Bennetts will provide remarks about the “five pillars” of their coaching philosophy, the Biblical tenets of humility, passion, unity, servanthood, and thankfulness following the award presentation.
A limited number of tickets for the awards dinner are still available. Cost is $75 each. The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner and program to follow at 6:30 p.m.
Contact Chris Sanger at 608-796-3070 or cmsanger@viterbo.edu to register by Tuesday, July 23.
Dick Bennett began his college coaching career at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He then coached the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix from 1985–1995, leading the team to two regular season conference titles, three conference tournament championships, and three NCAA tournament appearances. Coaching the University of Wisconsin from 1995–2001, the Badgers made four NCAA tournaments and advanced to the Final Four. He finished his coaching career at Washington State University, retiring in 2006.
Tony Bennett was a standout player for his father at UW-Green Bay and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1992 NBA draft. He spent three seasons with the team before a foot injury ended his NBA career. Later succeeding his father as the head coach of the Washington State Cougars, Tony’s team twice tied the record for wins in a season with 26. Today, he is the head coach at the University of Virginia. Foremost among his many achievements and accolades, Tony led the Cavaliers to the 2019 NCAA National Championship. He has twice been named AP National College Coach of the Year.
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