Lyle Bennett and Jack Skoog hold lasting legacy in CMU athletics
The legacies of Lyle Bennett and Jack Skoog are cemented in place every time an athlete enters the Indoor Athletic Complex.
Central Michigan University added Bennett to the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985. Proceeding his award, CMU named its field "Bennett Track and Field," located on North Campus, in 1986. Twenty-two years later, CMU built a new facility known today as the Indoor Athletic Complex, or more commonly as the IAC.
Skoog, who was a track and cross-country star at CMU, also made his mark with his name at the IAC. Skoog and his wife Dottie made a contribution to the expansion of Kelly/Shorts Stadium as well as the addition to the indoor track, which was finished in 1999.
“Lyle Bennett was a special individual who was one of the architects of our entire athletic department," said Mary Weston, executive associate director of athletics. "Along with coaching greats like Dan Rose, Bill Kelly, Ted Kjolhede and Bill Theunissen, he helped grow our department and take it to a national level. Lyle had a huge impact on the young men he coached, and alums still come back and talk about the impact he had on their lives."
Craig Willey, director of external relations, said Bennett has been a well-known figure around CMU for decades and attended the university from 1925-27. Born on June 23, 1903, he grew up playing and participating in numerous sports.
Bennett represented the Chippewas in football, baseball and track before becoming director of track and field in 1947. During Bennett's reign, he earned hundreds of wins, including 11 Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference crowns, including nine in outdoor track and field and two indoor. As well as coaching track and field, Willey said Bennett also coached Central Michigan football from 1947-49. Bennett concluded his career at CMU in 1970.
In addition to coaching at Central Michigan, Bennett also coached a United States track team in Africa in 1959. In 1960, he served as president of the Central Collegiate Conference.
Skoog's name is not only used for the indoor track, but also the Jack Skoog Open, the only indoor meet of the season hosted by the Chippewas.
"Jack and Dottie have been great supporters and champions of this university," Willey said. "Our students benefit everyday from his generosity. He is someone we are very proud of."
The IAC also houses baseball, football, soccer and club sports teams, who use the facility year-round.
Skoog and his wife are both actively involved with CMU athletics and the school as a whole. The Skoog family purchases season tickets for the CMU football team.
The school holds a constant relationship with the Skoogs in regards to their contribution and the generosity that they both shared, Willey said.
