Bennie Roy

Bennie Roy is a native Texas born in the city of Houston. He is the only son of the late Bennie and Lottie Roy.

Growing up in the 30's and 40's during the depression years allowed Bennie and his friends the opportunity to be very innovative in their leisure time. They swam in the bayou, played prairie basketball and raced around on vacant lots. Beanie's interest in sports activities was enjoyed long before he became a serious competitor. There was no time to be bored. Childhood was an enjoyable experience.

Bennie graduated from Jack Yates High School and was an outstanding member of the Crimson and Gold basketball team. He and his teammates won the State Basketball Championship in 1949 under the direction of the late Coach Andrew Patterson. He also ran track and played football while attending Yates. Bennie attended Texas Southern University and was privileged to play basketball with many remarkable teammates coached by the late Edward Adams. He was also the late Coach Stanley Wright's high jump ace and was ranked 10th in the world by Track and Field News. The A.A.U., N.C.A.A. and the International Track Association sanctioned this publication.

Bennie graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Biology. He did post graduate work at Texas Southern University also.

After finishing college, Bennie's first teaching/coaching position was in 1954 at Booker T. Washington High School. He taught everything, math, science, physical education. In addition to teaching, he was the assistant basketball coach, assistant football coach and the head track coach. But these were the best of times.

Bennie was transferred to Evan E. Worthing High School in 1959. While at Worthing he taught physical education and health, was the junior varsity football, tennis golf and swimming coach. The position dearest to him was head basketball coach until he retired in 1986. Worthing's basketball teams were always recognized as outstanding, strong, competitive teams during every season of his leadership. Bennie humbly smiles with pride as Worthing proudly boasts of having many high school All Americans.

Coach Roy led the Worthing Colts to a first place district championship in 1961 — 1962. Following that accomplishment they won the State Basketball Championship at Prairie View University in 1962. Bennie was named Coach of the Year at the State Basketball Tournament in Prairie View in 1962. They placed 2nd in the state championship 1965 — 1966, district champions, 1972 — 1973, regional champions 1976 — 1974 and district champions 1975 — 1976.

Worthing's present principal, Ronnie Evans, initiated Worthing's first annual Evan E. Worthing's Bennie Roy Basketball Classic in November 1966 as a tribute to Coach Roy.

The Texas Southern University Award of Merit was presented to Bennie in February 1999 for his outstanding performance in leading Texas Southern University to its First National MWAA Basketball Championship.

Bennie's dedication to teaching and coaching young people was ultimately to develop strong men. His commitment remained the same throughout his coaching career. Bennie's profound belief in God, receptive and successful students, cooperation of co-workers, the warm comradeship of fellow coaches all contributed to a pleasant journey in the world of athletics for Coach Roy. The reflections and memories are immeasurable.

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