At her eighth-grade graduation, English Department Head Margaret Bennett received an award for running the most miles of any student. Now, nearly 30 years — and many trophies — later, she reflects on her athletic journey.
For the average student, the PE mile is dreaded. But when Bennett was in seventh grade, running around the track was far more appealing than a PE class in the 70s. It was there — avoiding participation in PE — that she discovered her hidden talent.
“I just loved running,” Bennett said. “It was something that allowed me to manage stress.”
But when Bennett enrolled at Branham High School in San Jose, her parents made it clear that competing was out of the question. They wanted her to focus on her studies, and thought daily practices and meets would disrupt that goal. It would take a home visit from coach Lee McElroy — dedicated to recruiting Bennett onto his team — to convince them otherwise.
Bennet ran cross country and track throughout high school. She specialized in mid-distance events, particularly favoring the 800-meter and hurdles.
“She worked hard at it, and did well in high school,” said Gerri Baldwin, current LAHS track coach and Bennett’s former teammate.
Baldwin also described Bennett as “hardworking,” “focused,” and as someone who “wouldn’t give up.”
Bennett finished high school with several collegiate running offers, but to prioritize academics, she attended Stanford and studied English instead. Bennett took a break from competing freshman year, but she couldn’t stay away for long. The next season, after a bit of encouragement, Bennett contacted track legend and former Stanford Coach Brooks Johnson about walking on.
“He had coached all my idols, so being in the same room, I was awestruck,” Bennett said.
That fall, Bennett made the team. She ran Division I cross country among some of the greats, such as former Olympian — and former LAHS track coach — PattiSue Plummer. Every day, she had two workouts, varying from a five-mile run to ten or twelve, with occasional weight-lifting training.
“In terms of running, it was like a 24/7 endeavor,” Bennett said. “My whole day was scheduled around being ready for practice.”
Bennett was living the D1 dream, even if she was constantly sore, tired, and busy.
“I have no regrets that I did it,” Bennett said. “It taught me a lot of respect for the sport and what DI athletes do.”
Between workouts and traveling to meets, Bennett also took enough classes to fill 18 college credits. She was enjoying herself, but felt that cross country was slowly taking over her life. When asked to run some longer-distance events for the upcoming track season, Bennett declined, opting to try a traditional college experience instead.
“I didn’t want my whole Stanford experience just to be cross country,” Bennett said.
After that season, Bennett joined a running club, where she found the friendly competition and conversations with those who shared her love much better suited. 30 years later, she remains in contact with many of the friends she met there.
“I just think the conversations you have are amazing,” Bennett said. “That’s what I cherish the most: The relationships I had.”
Bennett began teaching at LAHS in 1991 after graduating from Stanford. She coached the cross country and track teams for the next eight years, bringing both to CCS championship success.
Many years later, while having her second son, Bennett’s back gave out, putting running out of the question. She now finds other ways to stay active, but nothing can compare.
“I can’t run anymore, so I power walk,” Bennett said. “But I really miss running.”
Bennett can’t recall all the meets she won, or medals she slung around her neck, but she does remember the magic of running and its ability to bring people together. One particular morning run in the mountains sticks with her.
“It was like running in the clouds,” Bennett said. “It was one of those ethereal moments that was so spectacular: Watching the sunrise as you were running in the fog, and you couldn’t even see your feet. That is a moment that really stays with me.”
