A dedicated, knowledgeable family man. A record-setter. An inspiration.
What do all these words have in common? They describe Ohio cross country and track and field assistant coach Mitch Bentley.
A 1985 Ohio alumnus, Bentley has accomplished more for Ohio athletics than just serving as the distance running coach for the last two years. During his four years as an undergraduate, he earned eight varsity letters and set many records.
He currently holds the school's third-fastest time in the five-mile cross country race, 24:01, as well as a pair of second-fastest times in the outdoor 10,000-meter, 29:47, and the indoor 5,000, clocking in at 14:36.
However, Bentley was setting records before he became the first recruit to sign a national letter of intent for former Ohio coach Elmore Banton in 1981. The Vinton County High School graduate was a two-time state champion in Division II boys' cross country and set the record for the 2.5-mile race.
Before Bentley came to Ohio, he worked as a junior high and high school cross country and track and field coach. He had been interested in working at Ohio as a coach, but because of limited staff positions, the opportunity wasn't available until Banton's retirement in 2003.
I always wanted to be involved with my alma mater
but because of staffing limitations it just wasn't feasible Bentley said. Coach Banton was the distance coach and with only three assistants
two of which were part time
he needed other coaches for throwing
jumping and hurdles.
His time arrived with the hiring of new coach Clay Calkins and the need for a distance coach. This kind of opening was what he had been looking for.
Bentley's impact on the team and individual runners has been noticeable. The men's team improved four places at the Mid-American Conference Championships two weeks ago, moving from eighth to fourth, while the women's team jumped from 13th to 10th.
Junior runner Austin Schiele said the addition of Bentley to the coaching staff has been successful so far.
He's a really non-threatening
good guy that you want to listen to
Schiele said. Everything he tells you is important. The results from this season show how much time and effort he has put into this program.
Andy Bittner, Schiele's teammate, said he couldn't describe Bentley's devotion.
Mitch is so dedicated to running and coaching
Bittner said. He wakes up and goes to bed thinking about running.
Bentley said the team still has a long way to go, but he knows the Bobcats can continue to improve.
I've got this crazy dream that Ohio's cross country teams can someday be consistently ranked somewhere between 15th and 35th in the country
he said.
He also said that athletics are more important than most think and was pleased with the increase in funding they got last year.
It disturbs me when I hear professors criticize the role of athletics
Bentley said. A lot of people don't understand the educational value of athletics. How many professors encourage and cheer you on throughout your coursework like an athletic coach will? And how many would spend 20 hours or more each week working with a group of students for less than a five-figure salary?
