Roy Benge Announces Retirement

Roy Benge

Roy Benge

Roy Benge
Plymouth High School Athletic Director

Plymouth High School Athletic Director Roy Benge has held a career that most athletic directors could only dream of -- he has worked his entire 40-year career for Plymouth High School. “At the end of this 2017-2018 school year, I will be retiring from the only school I have ever worked. I started my teaching and coaching career at Plymouth High School in August of 1978,” said Benge.

He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ball State University; a bachelor's of science in physical education and health; and a master’s of arts in P.E. and health, U.S. history, and social studies.

From 1978 to the year 2000, Benge taught social studies, U.S. history, world geography, physical education, and driver’s education at PHS.

During those 22 years, he was the assistant boys track coach for 16 seasons from 1978 to 1995; the high school’s assistant athletic director for 11 years from 1989 to 2000; the head boys tennis coach for six seasons from 1978-1983; for four seasons he coached girls track as the assistant coach from 1997 to 2000; he held the title of PHS girls activity supervisor for three years from 1984 to 1987; had a two-year bout as the PHS athletic trainer from 1987 to 1989; and for one year in 1988 Benge was both the high school’s intramural director and the sports coordinator.

For the past 18 years, Benge has been the Plymouth High School athletic director. “Becoming the AD was a continuation of background gained as a high school and college athlete coupled with teaching, coaching, and athletic administrative experience as an assistant athletic director for 12 years. As much as I really enjoyed teaching, I felt I could make a different and more focused impact as athletic director,” Benge said.

He said the decision to retire was difficult, but prompted by timing. Benge said, “My wife’s retirement from Triton High School after 40 years, made me think about options and our future. It then became an easier process.” He said retirement will allow time for him and his wife to travel some, help out with their children and grandchildren as needed, exercise more, cut the grass at a reasonable time rather than the late evening with the lights on, and continue to follow and support the athletic programs at Plymouth High School.  

When asked about his most fond memories of being part of PHS athletics for four decades, he admits that is a tough one to narrow down, but milestones that stand out he said are as follows: “Being apart of five trips to the boys and girls basketball state finals; one as a young teacher and fan, and three trips as the athletic director and dad. In addition to our state basketball games, our state final trips in boys and girls track and tennis certainly are among my most fond memories as well,” said Benge.

Among the list of his most proud accomplishments throughout his impressive tenure are all of the following: “The support and involvement in yearly summer IHSAA Student Leadership Conference for our student-athletes at PHS, the support and implementation of the IHSAA Sportsmanship and Champions of Character Program at PHS. The expansion of the PHS Athletic Hall of Fame and addition of the PHS Athletic Support Staff Hall of Fame. My direct role in fundraising well over $400,000 for our athletic department in the last 20+ years, not including individual donations or concessions proceeds. Yearly spring sports discount card sales, advertising - our ad board, water, vending sales, sponsorships,” said Benge.

As for what he will miss the most he said, “I will miss the camaraderie of our staff at PHS and the Northern Lakes Conference perhaps most, and playing music at our various home athletic venues. But I won’t miss the late Friday night turnaround in hosting Saturday morning tournaments and/or evening contests. Those 15-hour Saturdays made me into the coffee drinker I am today,” Benge said with a laugh.

Also, he said dealing with the wet and rainy spring weather over the years has been a constant challenge as well.

“I look back and want to acknowledge all those who made an impact on my professional career at PHS. These people are our past superintendents and building administrators; our coaching staff from back in the day; Bill Nixon, the former athletic director as a mentor; our past and current PCSC board members; and superintendent Andy Hartley. I’d also like to thank our Plymouth community; parents; fans; supporters of our students and our programs at PHS; the current PHS administrative team and directors; in particular, principal Jim Condon; our support staff at PHS, the current coaching staff, and student-athletes at PHS,” Benge said.

He continued, “Lastly, my sincere gratitude to former PHS head girls tennis coach, athletic secretary, and assistant athletic director Mary Beth Hunter; current assistant athletic director, John Scott; and athletic secretary Gwen Kriss. I can never thank you enough for your personal and professional support.”
 
“Through teaching, coaching, and athletic administration, I have made valued relationships working with so many caring and talented individuals. I will leave with a lifetime of great memories of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff at PHS. My sincere thanks and gratitude for all you do. Your dedication and willingness to make a positive impact on our student-athletes and programs is something I hope we have shared together. I appreciate the personal and professional support given by all along the way. What an awesome experience I have had!! I cannot thank you enough,” concluded Benge.   


Plymouth High School Athletic Director Roy Benge 40 years Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. Roy Benge picture and PHS Ship Logo