Chapel Hill High School’s Tim Bennett was named the North Carolina Athletic Director of the year by the state’s Athletic Directors Association on March 31 in Wilmington.
Bennett has been athletic director at the school since October 2013.
Among many other achievements, Chapel Hill has won 13 state championships and 50 Big-8 Conference Championships since Bennett took the reins.
“When I got here, this was already a very good program. [I’ve] just tried to continue what was already in place and tried to build on it, but I do feel a special bond with our coaches,” Bennett said.
Bennett had a hand in hiring all except three of the current coaches at Chapel Hill. The program has earned 24 Big-8 Conference “Coach of the Year” awards under Bennett’s leadership.
Varsity wrestling coach Tripp Price recognizes Bennett’s dedication to the program.
“[Bennett] is one of the most supportive people you could have as a coach,” Price said. “He’s behind the coaches and is very realistic with us about what we can do and what we can’t do and how we’re going to progress the program.”
Bennett gives the credit to the student-athletes and coaches.
“I’m just honored to represent our school,” he said. “Our school has had so much success and the [athletic director] basically makes sure that the teams have what they need: the buses are reserved, we have officials and the lights are turned on.”
Varsity women’s and men’s soccer coach Jason Curtis had to pause when asked why Bennett was worthy of the award.
“Give me a couple minutes. There’s so many, honestly,” he said.
“[Bennett] is personable and leads by example. He’s visible; he comes to games. He’s invested. He knows from his experience of being a coach how to empower his team of coaches to be their best,” Curtis added.
Bennett attributes his success to his experience coaching football. Before coming to Chapel Hill, Bennett served as the head football coach and athletic director at Roanoke Rapids High School for 18 years. He also coached at North Carolina Central University, Newberry College and North Carolina State University, for five years.
Chapel Hill athletics has placed fourth or higher in the NCHSAA Wells Fargo State Cup Finish each year since Bennett took over as athletic director.
“We have had a lot of success during my time at Chapel Hill. Our student-athletes and coaches have done an amazing job. We have had lots of support from our administration, teachers and parents,” Bennett said. “It has been a team effort.”
Great guy, great article.