Reflections on Bennie Edens
by John Freeman

Bennie Edens. Say that name to anyone who went to Point Loma High School in the 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80's and '90s and they know exactly whom you're talking about. Perhaps no name is more closely identified with the school as that of Bennie Edens.

During that stretch of history, Bennie was Point Loma High School in so many respects. As the longtime head football coach and athletic director, he was widely regarded as a legendary presence even while he was still on the sidelines as coach, mentor, motivator, friend, leader and father figure. Even those who didn't play football for Bennie -- such as I -- had an abiding respect for the man that everybody simply called "Coach." He commanded respect and he got it.

Now, this great Pointer legend is almost 82 years old. The time has time to pay tribute in some lasting way to what he's meant to so many former Pointers.

My idea is simple: I propose that we honor his enduring contributions to the school -- and to the community at large -- by making a large sign that could be affixed to the current PLHS field scoreboard or placed in another appropriate location on campus. It would read simply:

In honor of
Bennie Edens
Coach * Motivator * Friend

Click here to donate online

Click here for printable donation form (pdf)

Click for more information about Bennie and these projects