[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 61 (Thursday, May 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E869-E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING JOHN B. BENNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 1998

  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues the dedication of a plaque commemorating the service of Mr. 
John B. Bennett, which occurred in my District this past Saturday at 
the West Side Rowing Club.

[[Page E870]]

  Mr. Bennett, who passed away May 27, 1995, is a true legend in Rowing 
in every sense of the word. During an era when club crews were as 
powerful as those at some of the big Universities, he dominated the 
field as North America's winningest Coach. His eight-oared crews won 
the U.S. National Championships in 1947, 1949, 1950, and 1951. Those 
same crews went on to win the Royal Canadian Henley Championships in 
1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, and 1956.
  Coach Bennett also led a four-oar team to a National Championship in 
1956, and represented our Nation in the 1956 Olympic Games in 
Melbourne, Australia.
  Even more important than his will to win and impressive records was 
Coach Bennett's leadership, involvement, and motivation of countless 
young men who were fortunate enough to be part of his teams.
  Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Coach Bennett served as a 
Member of the Buffalo Police Department for Thirty-three years, and 
attained the rank of Lieutenant.
  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to join with the West Side Rowing 
Club, the Bennett Family, and our entire Western New York community in 
remembrance of Coach Bennett's service. I close with a caption from the 
newly dedicated plaque, which best sums up his amazing contributions:
  ``As remarkable as his coaching record was, his moral influence on 
hundreds of young men, many of who were war veterans, was stronger. He 
motivated his charges to be winners in life as well as on the water.''
  God Bless that unending commitment and Mr. John B. Bennett.

                          ____________________