Donn Behnke
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Occupations | Coach, Author, Distance Runner |
Donn Behnke is a former American distance runner, author, and cross country coach. He currently serves as the head coach for the Stevens Point Area Senior High Boy's Cross Country Team. During his time as a coach, he has led Stevens Point to 23 State Championship and Runner up titles.[1] He also competed for the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point men's cross country team from 1972 to 1975 and authored The Animal Keepers.[2][3]
Running career
Behnke competed for the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point men's cross country team from 1972 to 1975.[2]
Coaching
Behnke Began coaching in 1976 as the assistant coach for the Stevens Point Area Senior High School boys cross country team where he would later become the head coach. In 1977, he led them to their first state champion title.[1]
From 1999 to 2001, he coached Chris Solinsky to three individual state champion titles and one national champion title.[4]
From 2021 to 2025, his team became the first since 1945 to earn four consecutive team state champion titles.[5]
In 2019, 2022, and 2023 his team qualified for NXN.[6][7][8] Then in 2024, Ethan Olds qualified as an individual.[9]
Behnke currently coaches along side Kevin Hopp and Harrison Smith.[10]
Writing
Behnke's Book, The Animal Keepers, was published on August 25, 2015.[11] His book is centered on the SPASH boys 1985 cross country team.
Personal
Donn Behnke married Cheryl Przybelski in 1984.[12]
References
- 1 2 III, Alfred Smith. "Inside the glory of Stevens Point cross country's dynamic head coaching duo". Wausau Daily Herald. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
- 1 2 "Athletes inducted into Hall of Fame" (PDF). Pointer Alumnus. 1996. p. 5. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ GaultNovember 3, Jonathan. "Book Review: "The Animal Keepers" By Donn Behnke - A Terrific Tale Of What It Means To Be A Team". LetsRun.com. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Chris Solinsky - WI Cross Country Bio". Athletic.net. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
- ↑ III, Alfred Smith. "Stevens Points boys cross country breaks barriers with fourth consecutive D1 state title". Stevens Point Journal. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
- ↑ "NikeCrossNationals.com - Nike Cross Nationals Official Site - NXN - News - 2022 Results - Nike Cross Nationals". www.runnerspace.com. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
- ↑ "NikeCrossNationals.com - Nike Cross Nationals Official Site - NXN - News - 2019 Results - Nike Cross Nationals". www.runnerspace.com. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
- ↑ "NikeCrossNationals.com - Nike Cross Nationals Official Site - NXN - News - 2023 Results - Nike Cross Nationals". www.runnerspace.com. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
- ↑ "NikeCrossNationals.com - Nike Cross Nationals Official Site - NXN - News - 2024 Results - Nike Cross Nationals". www.runnerspace.com. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
- ↑ "Boys Cross Country - Stevens Point Area Senior High". spash.pointschools.net. Retrieved August 4, 2026.
- ↑ "The Animal Keepers - The Story of an Unlikely Hero and …". Goodreads. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Marriages of UW-SP Grads Announced" (PDF). Pointer Alumnus. 1984. p. 28. Retrieved April 24, 2026.