Burnet runner Bennett signs NLI to the Texas Longhorns
CAPTION: Burnet senior runner Hudson Bennett (third from left) signs his National Letter of Intent to run for the University of Texas at Austin as he’s surrounded by his family, which include sister Gracynn (left), mother Stacy, father David and brother Hays Bennett. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
Burnet High School senior middle-distance runner Hudson Bennett signed a National Letter of Intent to compete for the University of Texas at Austin during a signing ceremony at the BHS auditorium Nov. 10.
Bennett, the great-grandson of Julian “Tex” Robertson who started the University of Texas Swimming and Diving program, noted signing with the Longhorns was a homecoming, adding the coaches kept in constant contact.
“They have a really good, young team,” he said. “The distance program is especially young. I always knew it was kind of UT.”
Following his bronze medal win at the Class 4A state cross country meet Nov. 4, Bennett had a conversation with men’s cross country and middle-distance running coach Greg Metcalf. He had already visited the campus and there’s a good chance he has run more races at Mike A. Myers Stadium at the University of Texas than on his home track at Bulldog Field.
That conversation is why Bennett signed to be a Longhorn.
He follows in the footsteps of another tremendous Burnet County middle-distance runner, 2004 Marble Falls High School graduate Leonel Manzano, who ran for Texas from 2005-2008 and won a silver medal in the men’s 1,500 meters at the 2012 Olympics.
Bennett grinned at the mention of Manzano’s name and would love to have a career similar to his. Both have the same viewpoint about running.
“In my opinion, it’s more rewarding than any other sport,” the Bulldog said. “It’s whoever works the hardest wins the race. You either work harder than the other person or you don’t.”
Bennett will compete at the Nike Cross Regional South meet Nov. 19 at The Woodlands with the aim of earning a berth into the national cross country meet.
His dad, David, read a few words that the younger Bennett wrote but was concerned he’d be too emotional to say.
“Everyone in this room has played a part in it,” he read. “If you know Hudson, he was always wearing (burnt) orange. He wouldn’t be able to make it without everyone in this room. His coaches always believed in him.”
The runner thanked distance running coaches Cade Rye, Roy Kiser and Kristi Jones for their belief in him and their constant presence.
He was especially grateful to Kiser.
“Thank you for treating me like a son and for always allowing me to trust you have my best interests at heart,” he said. “You have been the best coach anyone could have dreamed of.”
David, who is a Texas A&M graduate, said there was no conflict in the Bennett home.
“I am wearing an Aggie belt,” he said with a grin. “We are totally bought into the orange.”
Burnet athletic director Kurt Jones noted the extraordinary moment.
“It’s exciting to see one of our own,” he said. “We’re super proud of him. Hudson has had a fantastic career at Burnet High School. And he’s not done yet with (the 2023 track season starting next semester). We’re excited about that and his future.”
Boys track head coach Ben Speer said he remembers watching Bennett run at the Class 4A track and field state meet when he won the 3,200 meters and didn’t think at that time he’d have daily interaction with the runner.
“I’m fortunate in the last two years to see you compete,” he said. “In distance running, it’s nothing but you and the road and the track. It’s a grind. But great things are in store for (him).”
Cross country and boys head basketball Roy Kiser recalled a meet in Salado when Bennett was a freshman and the runner wasn’t at the starting line.
“It was getting close to race time and Hudson wasn’t there,” he said. “His mom (Stacy) was going crazy. They started the race and Hudson comes in and wins by a minute and a half. I’m glad you made it to your own signing. We always talk about working hard and being a good teammate and being humble. When you do those things, things work out. Being a competitive athlete will end at some point. This guy is a great person. He reflects honor to his teammates. It’s an honor to coach you and glad we get to see you run some more.”
