Donn Behnke
Stevens Point High School
Impact Statement
Behnke has lead SPASH to qualify for the State Tournament 41 of 43 years under his helm.
Biography
Since Wisconsin’s state cross country tournament was expanded to multiple classes in 1949, no coach has won more state team titles than Behnke, who has led Stevens Point High to seven Class A/Division I titles. Behnke’s teams were state champions in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1994, 1997, and 1998, while finishing second in 1982, 1984, and 1990. He guided the 2001 year’s team to a sixth-place state finish.
Behnke’s success didn’t end there. He has continued to lead the SPASH (Stevens Point Area Senior High School) team to 41 state appearances during his 43 years. SPASH won the State Tournament in 2003, 2008 and 2013; while finishing second in 2006, 2007, 2014 and 2017.
In 2019, SPASH also finished second in the state for the 9th time under Behnke’s leadership. Stevens Point also made school history when they qualified for the National tournament, which only features 22 high school teams from around the nation.
Behnke is also a published author. He wrote a book called The Animal Keepers that tells the true story of the Stevens Point High School cross country team and their unforgettable journey through the 1985 season.
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