Chuck Bennett

Charles Henry Bennett (August 9, 1907 – June 9, 1973) was an American football player and coach. He played halfback for the Indiana University football team from 1926 to 1928 and won the 1928 Chicago Tribune Silver Football trophy as the most valuable player in the Big Ten Conference. He also played professional football for the Portsmouth Spartans from 1930 to 1931 and for the Chicago Cardinals in 1933. After retiring as a football player, Bennett was a high school coach and athletic director from 1934 to 1966.

Biography Early life Bennett was born in Linton, Indiana and attended Linton High School. He led the school to two consecutive state football championships and was unanimously selected as an all-state halfback both years. He reportedly "built up his strong physique by hard work in the coal mines."

1927 In 1927, Indiana compiled a 3–4–1 record and scored 104 points in eight games.

1928 As a senior in 1928, Bennett gained acclaim for his durability and running. In the season opener against Wabash College, Bennett scored both of Indiana's touchdowns on runs of 35 yards. Bennett was awarded the 1928 Chicago Tribune Silver Football trophy as the most valuable player in the Big Ten Conference. He was also invited to play on the East team in the annual East–West Shrine Game in California. Bennett scored two touchdowns for the East team and won the game's Outstanding Player award. Bennett played professional football for the Portsmouth Spartans from 1929 to 1931. He also played for the Chicago Cardinals in 1933.

Coach and athletic director After retiring as a football player, Bennett became a football coach. He began his coaching career as a high school football and track coach in LaPorte, Indiana. He coached at LaPorte from 1934 to 1937. In May 1937, he accepted a position as football coach and athletic director at the high school in Austin, Minnesota, where he remained for two years.

In 1939, Bennett was hired as a football coach and athletic director at Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois. He coached the Lyons Township football team for 21 years and won 11 West Suburban Conference championships. Players he coached include future Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos head coach Lou Saban. In 1958, the Chicago Tribune credited Bennett with turning the school into an athletic power: "In his 20th year as athletic director and football coach at Lyons Township High school in La Grange, Chuck Bennett can point with pride to a truly impressive record -- certainly one of the best in the Chicago area prep field."

Bennett resigned as head football coach in 1960 but continued to serve as the school's athletic director. On 20 occasions, Bennett won the President's Cup at Lyons Township, awarded for overall sports supremacy in the West Suburban Conference. He retired as athletic director at Lyons Township in June 1966 due to ill health.

Family and death Bennett died in 1973 at age 65. He was survived by his wife, Charlotta (Diddy) Bennett, and two sons, Charles H. Bennett and Byron Bennett. Charles H. Bennett later had four children, Richard, Fred, Charles, and Jenny. His name lives on in the next generation through Charles R. Bennett, son of Richard. The varsity football field at Lyons Township is named Bennett Field in his honor.