For 30 years, Joe Bennett has dedicated tireless hours, money and passion to the youth of our community as a coach and mentor.
During these 30 years, he has coached youth football, baseball, softball, and boys’ and girls’ basketball. Throughout his remarkable journey as a youth coach, Bennett has made a tremendous impact on the success of local athletic programs, the lives of his players, and the community as a whole.
“My philosophy for coaching came from my dad, John Bennett,” said the younger Bennett. “He instilled in me everything that I attempted to pass on to my players — responsibility, accountability, work ethic, discipline, dedication and leadership. He is the reason I am who I am today.”
As a Class of 1987 graduate of the Ware County High School, Bennett had a distinct purpose — to positively impact the lives of children in our community through youth sports. Beginning in 1988, he served as a volunteer coach through the Ware County Recreation Department.
From 1989 to 1993, his football teams captured five straight league championships, including peewee championships in 1989 and 1990, midget championships in 1991, 1992 and 1993, as well as a Midget Bowl championship in 1992.
In 1996, his peewee team again captured the league championship, as well as the Cereal Bowl championship. His teams were league champions for four straight years from 1999-2002. They were also crowned district/state champs in 1999 and 2001 and Cereal Bowl champs in 2000.
During his 16 years of coaching through the Ware County Recreation Department, Bennett’s teams amassed a remarkable 10 league championships.
In addition to working with younger athletes, Bennett shared his skill set and passion for the game with Ware County High School from 2005-08 as part of the high school football staff. He served as the ninth-grade running backs coach for coach Dan Ragle’s Gators.
After his stint coaching at the high school level, Bennett wanted to offer a more rigorous and advanced football program for physically and mentally ready youth seeking competition. In 2004, with a desire to provide this opportunity, he founded Team Blackhawks, a youth football program.
Over the course of 14 years, Bennett assembled and directed one of the most successful and respected youth football organizations in the area. What started as one 8U team of 13 boys has grown to more than 90 boys on four different teams ranging from ages 5 to 12.
During the 2005-17 Blackhawks reign, Bennett’s teams amassed numerous championships, undefeated seasons, and a remarkable win/loss record. Standouts include, but are not limited to, nine Tift County Thanksgiving Bowl championships, five Bleckley County Turkey Bowl championships, four Brunswick Sugar Bowl championships and three consecutive Ware County Touchdown Club Classic championship crowns with all age groups.
In sports, it is often difficult to separate wins and losses when determining the effectiveness of a coach. Make no mistake about it — his win/loss record is second to none. However, wins and losses are not what make him the exceptional man that he is. It is the positive, lifelong effect that he has on his players, his program, and our community that makes him great.
Bennett has not only been a standout coach on the field, but an outstanding mentor off the field as well. Outside of time allotted for practice and competition, he has dedicated himself to his players as if they were his own children.
From checking in with players and families to ensure they were meeting academic and behavioral standards at school, to attending award ceremonies and visiting students at multiple elementary schools monthly to encourage their success on and off the field — these were just a few of the ways Bennett made a positive impact on the athletes he coached.
He has traveled to multiple states to compete with many children who had never traveled outside of Waycross. He has inspired many children to achieve and exceed goals that previously may have only been dreams, as evidenced by the following statements from former players who deeply admire him.
Upon his decision to join the University of Virginia Cavaliers, Steven Wright, lifelong Blackhawk and Ware County Gator, shared these words with Bennett on his signing day: “I want to take time out to thank you for really jumpstarting my football career. You were a tough coach that only wanted the best out of us, and I appreciate that. All the many places we traveled to were an enjoyment because I had seen no other places but Waycross. I will never forget you as a coach or a person.”
Echoing similar words, Ernest Jones, lifelong Blackhawk and Ware County Gator, shared the following with Bennett at his South Carolina Gamecocks commitment reveal celebration in the fall of 2017: “Coach was like a second father to me. He taught me the fundamentals of football, and he helped mold me into the man that I am today. I am forever thankful for him and his family.”
Lastly, our community supports and applauds the outstanding efforts and impact of Bennett. In December 2016, Waycross City Manager Raphel Maddox recognized him for his service and dedication to our community’s youth by honoring him with the City Manager’s Extra Mile Award.
For the past 30 years, Bennett has served our community’s youth well and made a positive, lifelong impact in their lives. He is quick to note that none of this would have been possible without the tremendous love and support of his family, wife Sonya; daughters Hanna Bennett and Emily Barefield (husband Brian); and son, Bryce Bennett.
