March 26, 2020
THE 2020 AWARD
BOSTON, MA -- Wisconsin-Platteville head coach Jeff Gard is the recipient of the 2019-20 Jack Bennett Award, which represents winning with integrity and is named in honor of the former head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Now in his 11th season, Gard led the Pioneers to a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III tournament. Before earning an at large bid, the Pioneers clinched the outright WIAC regular season title, which was a second in three seasons, a 21st in program history, and a 14th outright championship. Gard was also named WIAC Coach of the Year.
Bennett won five Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, made five NCAA tournament appearances and won two national championships. He’s the program’s all-time winningest coach with a 200-56 record. In 34 seasons as head coach he compiled a record of 480-175.
2023: Chris Wright, Langston
2022: Gary Edwards, Francis Marion
2021: Bill Fenlon, DePauw
2020: Jeff Gard, Wisconsin-Platteville
2019: Jim Crutchfield, Nova Southeastern
2018: Pat Juckem, Wisconsin-Oshkosh
2017: John Pigatti, South Suburban College
2016: Donte Jackson, Stillman
2015: Ryan Marks, Saint Francis Illinois
2014: Gary Grzesk, Saint Norbert
2013: Luke Reigel, Wisconsin Parkside
2012: Larry Anderson, Massacusetts Institute of Technology
2011: Pryor Orser, Colorado School of Mines