Hall of Fame
Benjamin made his athletic mark in the sport of swimming where he was a dominant freestyler in all distances from 200 yards to 1,650 yards.
During his four years of competition he set numerous Oneonta pool and school records while also setting records in the SUNYAC in the 200, 500, 1,000 and 1,650 freestyle. Benjamin was a major contributor to three straight SUNYAC champion teams from 1968 to 1970 and was the recipient of the Fulton Award by the SUNYAC in 1971 for his valuable contribution to swimming. His career was highlighted by earning All-American honors in both the 500 and 1,650 at the NCAA Championships in 1971.
Benjamin graduated from Oneonta with a bachelor’s degree in general education and taught at Union-Endicott Elementary from 1972 to 1977. From 1978 to 1985 he found himself back in swimming as a competitive swim coach advisor and age group swim coach. In 1986 he began his life in the church where he has been since that time and currently he is serving as the
Pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
