(Courtesy of Bennett HS)
Bennett volleyball’s Larry Deffenbaugh recorded his 500th career win with a sweep against The Academy on Thursday.
“I just feel so privileged to have been able to coach this long in a game that I dearly love,” Deffenbaugh said. “And to be able to work with so many wonderful athletes and coaches along the way.”
Deffenbaugh holds a 500-214 career record.
“It’s been a wonderful road. I love what I do,” Deffenbaugh, in his 40th year in education, said. “There’s good days and bad days, we’re not going to kid ourselves here. I just have always enjoyed going to work in the morning.”
In his 31st year coaching volleyball, but Deffenbaugh has had many titles in his career. He’s been a middle school and high school teacher, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a coach and athletic director.
“I’ve coached everything from six-man football in Kit Carson, Colorado in 1978 to volleyball,” Deffenbaugh said. “I’ve worked with a lot of different boys and girls along the way, young men and women. A lot of wonderful teachers, administrators and coaches. Parents, they’ve been a big help, they’ve been great. And, you know, the communities.
“The fan support and how they rally around their athletics and their activites in small schools is really special to watch.”
Deffenbaugh’s previous stops include one season at Rangeview, two at Castle View and 13 at Strasburg.
His overall record at Strasburg was 275-72.
(Courtesy of Bennett HS)
Deffenbaugh’s bio states that, “He understands that success comes from everyone pulling together as one.”
Bennett is 9-1 this season and has rattled off eight wins in a row. Deffenbaugh’s team has lost just four sets this year.
“I have a very supportive family, especially my wife,” Deffenbaugh said. “When you’re a coaches’ wife, you go through all the trials and tribulations. All of my kids were there last night, except for my oldest daughter who is in Malaysia with her family. That was really special.”