He caught a break, and many have since benefited

Mason Schweizer
mschweizer@daily-journal.com

In the fall of 1949, Bill Benner was a sophomore at Woodruff High School in Peoria.

At the time, Benner was known more for running the streets of Peoria than any scholastic endeavors. But then, he met legendary track and cross country coach Roy Gummerson, and his life changed forever.

Gummerson took Benner from the streets and introduced him into not only a high school hobby, but a way of life that has spanned throughout seven decades in education and athletics, including two stints at Peotone High School.

Mason Schweizer
mschweizer@daily-journal.com

In the fall of 1949, Bill Benner was a sophomore at Woodruff High School in Peoria.

At the time, Benner was known more for running the streets of Peoria than any scholastic endeavors. But then, he met legendary track and cross country coach Roy Gummerson, and his life changed forever.

Gummerson took Benner from the streets and introduced him into not only a high school hobby, but a way of life that has spanned throughout seven decades in education and athletics, including two stints at Peotone High School.