Born on the outskirts of Indianapolis, Bennett moved to Colorado at age 2. He graduated from Centaurus High School in Lafayette, where he wrestled and played football. The middle linebacker was all-Skyline League as a senior. He also played football at Western State before knee problems ended his career. He earned a degree in recreational sports management.
Bennett was an assistant coach at Jefferson High School under former Mullen head coach Dave Sidwell; assisted at Jefferson County’s Standley Lake for five seasons, four under decorated head coach Jim Bratten; and a Far West Regional scout for the Arena Football League.
In returning to the prep level, Bennett said it was where he belonged, and he landed as an assistant at Jeffco’s D’Evelyn. However, when the head coach suddenly left, Bennett was asked to lead the program. He did so for 15 years, with a semifinals showing, 11 playoff appearances, 14 consecutive winning seasons and a 103-56 career record.
