“Edgewood has always been home for me.”
For Ben Benavides III, there really is no place like home. The Kennedy High School graduate is settling into his new role as Edgewood ISD Athletic Director. With the new school year in full swing, he is looking forward to building and growing relationships with students, parents, staff and the Edgewood community.
“I understand the power and influence sports can have on our scholar-athletes, and I look forward to helping all [of them] excel,” says Benavides. “The connections we can form and the collaborative environment we can foster is highly fulfilling.”
He may not have realized it when he was a student, but Benavides’ path to leading the EISD Athletics Department began back when he suited up for the Rockets. In fact, he says the coach who used to lead him onto the field each week, inspired him to be the leader he is today.
“Coach John Guidry is the reason I continued to play football after high school,” says Benavides. “[He] is the reason I became a coach.”
As he works to encourage future generations of EISD graduates, Benavides can’t help but remember a time when he knew giving up was not an option.
“I remember scoring a touchdown against Edgewood High School on the last game of the 1988 season, to win the game 14-7,” says Benavides. “The Red Raiders were really good that year and [The Rockets] were able to squeak out a 7-point victory.”
From a victory as an athlete, and victory in his academics, Benavides is proud to be part of Edgewood ISD.