Viterbo to honor famed UW coach Dick Bennett and son, UVA national championship winning coach Tony Bennett

Two famed coaches will be honored by Viterbo next month.

Dick Bennett put the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team back on the map in the mid-1990s, leading the Badgers to four NCAA tournaments and a Final Four appearance.

His son, Tony Bennett, currently coaches at the University of Virginia, winning an NCAA title in 2019 and twice being named coach of the year.

The two will be honored Aug. 7, given the Saint John XXIII Award for distinguished service — Viterbo’s highest non-academic award.

The Bennetts will talk about the “five pillars” of their coaching philosophy following the presentation.

Dick Bennett began his career at UW-Stevens Point from 1977-85, leading the Pointers to conference championships from 1982-85 and compiling a 174-79 record. He was selected the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1984, after UW-SP went 28-4, finishing national runners-up.

From there he went to UW-Green Bay for 10 seasons, making three NCAA tourney appearances, before taking over for the Badgers. He wrapped up his career at Washington State.

Meanwhile, his son Tony Bennet was a standout for his father at UW-GB, before being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1992. He spent three seasons in the NBA, before injuries ended his career.

He then took over for Dick at Washington State, set the school record for wins (26) twice, before moving on to Virginia.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour, followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center lobby.

Limited tickets are available, costing $75, and must be purchased by Tuesday. Contact Chris Sanger at 608-796-3070 or [email protected] to register.

Recipients of the award are chosen on the basis of contributions in one or several of the following categories: education, business, philanthropy, peace and justice, and religious life.