Bendes Finishes with 5 Gold Medals at Special Olympics

Steve Bendes had one terrific Saturday at West Point when he competed in the Special Olympics. Steve finished 1st in the 100, 400, shot put, running long jump, and high jump. This made for one amazing day for this great young man. Steve has always pushed to challenge himself when it came to sports. This past year he was a part of the Men's Soccer program and Coach Vernacchio said "I am grateful to have met Steve and to see someone who doesn't back down from a challenge. I had an opportunity to talk with his parents and they would always tell me how fast Steve was. Steve had an opportunity to really show his speed in one of our practices where he took me by surprise with finishing way in front of everyone else. The best part about it was Steve coming up to me, not even out of breath asking how he did. It does not surprise me that Steve did so well at the Special Olympics. I am very proud of him and I know the rest of the athletic department is to." Steve also played lacrosse this year for the Skylanders. A brand new program that Steve was excited to try. On behalf of the Athletic Department and College, we would certainly like to congratulate Steve Bendes on his great success at the Special Olympics and for continuing to take on new challenges!