George Benedict Scholarship

In April, 2023, the George Benedict Scholarship was established with the Winona State University Foundation. This scholarship will benefit student athlete(s) that are members of the WSU Football Team.

Criteria
1. WSU Student-Athlete
2. Full-Time Student
3. Financial Need
4. Meets NCAA eligibility requirements
5. Offensive Lineman

Background and Motivation
George Benedict began his love for sports while growing up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. George attended local schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1964.

At Bradford George participated in baseball and football. 1963 was a stellar year for George as he played baseball on the 1963 Bradford team that won the Wisconsin State High School Baseball Tournament. George also played baseball on the 1963 and 1964 American Legion teams that won the Wisconsin titles. Kenosha was baseball ”title town” in 1963

In 1963 George was the Center for the Bradford football team. He was the 1st Team Selection as the “All Big 8” starting Center.

George was inducted into the Kenosha Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

After high school George followed his brother Jack and high football coach John Martin to Winona State University. George continued playing baseball and football. George helped lead the “Warriors” to the NIC football title in 1964 and a baseball crown in 1965. George was inducted into the WSU Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

George graduated from WSU in 1971 with a degree in Physical Education, Health and Coaching. George later earned his Special Education Degree and taught and coached in the Austin, MInnesota Public Schools for 33 years.

From 1966-1969 George served with the United States Army in the Republic of Vietnam. George was attached to MACV Teams 42 and 27 Military Assistance Command. For his service George was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

In 2017 George was honored by the MInnesota Vikings as a “Hometown Hero”. It was one of the special honors of his life

George was a life long “Warrior Supporter”. His family has a long, rich legacy at Winona State University. George was a fierce competitor with the constitution of a Warrior. George believed in hard work and pushing his boundaries. He always challenged himself. George savored in winning but appreciated the education he received at WSU. George thoroughly enjoyed watching Warrior athletes succeed -challenging themselves and being their best

George will always be remembered for his great sense of humor snd wonderful smile