St. Lawrence University Athletics

Few players at any level of intercollegiate football have earned major honors despite not playing varsity high school football. Bruce Benedict was talked into playing freshman football and went on to earn All America honors as a senior guard three years later.

Benedict, who played three years of junior varsity football in high school, but was not big enough for varsity, grew to 5-10 and 190 before entering St. Lawrence. He played nose guard as a sophomore and offensive guard and center, starting as center as a junior and switching to guard as a senior. Named to the Little All America team as an offensive guard, he also played inside linebacker and captained the 1959 team. He helped the team to a 4-3 record in 1959, the best record in six seasons, and scored a touchdown on a 65 yard interception return. He was also a member of the golf team during his undergraduate career.

President of Alpha Tau Omega and of Omicron Delta Kappa, Bruce retained his commitment to the University after graduation. He served on the Alumni Executive Council and was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1975. In 1988, his fellow trustees elected Bruce chairman of the Board, a leadership position he held for seven years. He then served as chairman of Campaign St. Lawrence, the most successful fundraising effort in University history. Bruce received an honorary degree from St. Lawrence in 1996 for his exemplary and outstanding service to his alma mater. Upon his retirement from the Board, Bruce's fellow trustees extended the honor of the title chairman emeritus in recognition of their abiding respect.