Gene Bennett, Saint Paul's teacher and coach, dies at 71
Times Picayune 07-07-2010
Submitted By NOVA

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Gene Bennett, a longtime teacher and coach at Saint Paul's School in Covington, died Monday
after a lengthy illness related to heart problems. He was 71.

Mr. Bennett, who graduated from De La Salle High School and Tulane, joined the faculty at Saint
Paul's in 1962 and served as the school's athletic director from 1976 to 1991.

He was best known as the Wolves' head basketball coach -- a position he held from 1967 to 1990,
and then again from 1999 to 2002 -- leading the program to 450 victories and 13 state playoff
berths. In 1988, he was selected Louisiana Athletic Director of the Year and the Metro
Basketball Coach of the Year.

As a golf coach, his teams won two state championships, in 1998 and 1999, and were state
runners-up twice. He also won 13 regional championships and 11 district championships.

Mr. Bennett remained a part-time employee of the school until the time of his death, coaching
golf until 2008 and teaching American history until May 2010. He also was an assistant
basketball coach under Phil Williams, who took over this past season.

"He embodied every virtue," said Williams, who was hired by Mr. Bennett in 1984 and became his
assistant in 1989. "He wasn't flamboyant at all. He was a (former longtime North Carolina
basketball coach) Dean Smith type of guy. He didn't want to call attention to himself.

"The kids loved him, because they knew he was about them. He was the most positive guy in the
house."

In 2006, the school honored Mr. Bennett by renaming the gymnasium the Gene Bennett Sports
Complex. During his speech at the naming ceremony, he said that he was grateful it  happened
before he died, and that "it was a once-in-a-lifetime" experience.

Survivors include his wife, Gay; a daughter, Britton Bennett LeFebre; a son, Brandon Bennett;
and one grandchild.

A funeral Mass will be said Friday at 1 p.m. at the Saint Paul's student center. Visitation is
Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Burial will be in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, 2280 W. 21st. Ave. in Covington.

E.J. Fielding Funeral Home in Covington is in charge of arrangements.