Hall of Fame

Jack Bennett

John "Jack" Bennett

  • Class
  • Induction
    2022
  • Sport(s)
    UW-Stevens Point
Induction Video

(Written: July 2022)

John “Jack” Bennett served as UW-Stevens Point’s men’s basketball coach from 1997-2005 and directed the Pointers to NCAA Division III titles in 2004 and 2005. UW-Stevens Point compiled a 200-56 record in his nine seasons with five regular-season conference championships and three tournament titles.

The Pointers registered back-to-back 29-win seasons in 2004 and 2005, which ranks as the best two-year victory total in program history. Bennett, who retired as the program’s all-time winningest coach, was tabbed the conference Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2003. He was selected the National Association of Basketball Coaches West Region Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2005, and added D3hoops.com West Region Coach of the Year recognition in 2005. In 2004, Bennett was named the Molten/D-III News National Coach of the Year.

CollegeInsider.com has created the Jack Bennett Award, which represents winning with integrity. The basketball court at UW-Stevens Point’s Quandt Fieldhouse has formally been dedicated as “Bennett Court”.

In 2007, Bennett received the “Nice Guy” Award at the Red Smith Banquet. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2010, he was inducted into the UW-Stevens Point Hall of Fame, along with his son Nick, and the 2003-04 and 2004-05 men’s basketball teams.

Bennett earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in physical education from Ripon College and master’s degree in education and professional development from UW-Stevens Point. He signed a professional baseball contract with the Washington Senators after graduating from high school and played two seasons of minor league baseball.

Bennett resides in Plover, Wis., with his wife Sue. They have two sons Jay and Nick, and four grandchildren.