Senior Salute: Riley Bennett
April 16, 2020
Name: Riley Bennett
Hometown: Howell, Michigan
High School: Howell
Athletic accomplishments:
- Earned three varsity letters on the baseball team. Transferred to Olivet after playing one season of baseball at Owens Community College.
- Started all 91 games played at shortstop. Only collegiate game at Olivet that he did not play in was the season-finale in 2018.
- As a sophomore in 2018, started 39 games at shortstop. Led the Comets with a .338 batting average and 23 RBI. Also had 21 runs, seven doubles and .434 slugging percentage to go along with 13 multi-hit games. His 147 at-bats are third-most in school history for a season. Broke the single-season record with 133 fielding assists.
- As a junior in 2019, only player to start all 40 games. Among the players who started more than half the games, had a team-best .306 batting average, 24 runs, eight doubles and .449 slugging percentage. Had the second-most fielding assists for a season with 127.
- As a senior in 2020, started 12 games. Had a .245 batting average but scored 12 runs.
- Olivet career statistics are .310 batting average, 53 runs, 102 hits, 21 doubles, five home runs, 48 RBI, .437 slugging percentage.
- The career ranks are eighth in slugging percentage and tied for 10th in batting average. His 291 fielding assists are tied for fifth all-time.
- Started all 91 games played at shortstop. Only collegiate game at Olivet that he did not play in was the season-finale in 2018.
Academic honors/awards:
- Dean's List
- President's List 2019 fall semester
- 2017-18 MIAA Academic Honor Roll
Favorite baseball memory:
- Having my first collegiate home run be a grand slam.
Major:
- Insurance and Risk Management
Plans after graduation:
- Move out west and start my career.
Who has supported you during your time as a student-athlete?
- Wendy Bezotte and James Bennett
Quote from head baseball coach Shelby Dixon:
- "Riley is the most dedicated and competitive athlete I have ever worked with. He is a young man who refused to take no for an answer and through hard work and perseverance, turned himself into one of the best players in the MIAA. Riley's tireless work ethic was an inspiration to his teammates and his sharp baseball mind kept the coaches on their toes, as he demanded excellence from everyone involved with the program. Off the field, he is an intelligent young man who is as thoughtful and hardworking as he is in the athletic arena. Riley has set an example and created a standard which will shift the Olivet baseball program in the right direction for years to come. I am thankful for all he has done for the team and for the opportunity to coach him."
Editor's Note: The COVID-19 pandemic caused the abrubt end to winter and spring sports for the 2019-20 academic year. We are not able to host Senior Day ceremonies to thank these seniors for their dedication to their chosen sport. As a result, we will be posting senior salutes like above for each senior over the coming weeks.