http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903010368
Behrends chasing golden moments
By Mike Dougherty
The Journal News • March 1, 2009
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WHITE PLAINS – As the first game of a busy week at the County Center tipped off, Bill Behrends was already settled into a familiar seat, ready to watch the latest generation of student-athletes chase a golden moment.
It’s the highlight of his year, too.
The former Mahopac athletic director has served on the Section 1 boys basketball committee for 39 years, watching history and heartbreak unfold here. And when the buzzer sounds, Behrends gets to hand out the coveted hardware.
“I do look forward to it, very much,” said Behrends, who is 82 years old. “I look forward to coming back here this week like hundreds of people do. Anybody who’s from Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and now Rockland, the goal was always to be here.”
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He was a baseball and basketball standout at All Hallows High School who enlisted in the Marines as World War II began to wind down. There was an opportunity to play basketball at North Carolina State, but he decided to stay closer to home and went to Manhattan College to play baseball.
There was a tryout with the Yankees, too.
Behrends sold accounting machines for 13 years before getting into teaching in 1965. He started out teaching fifth grade in Mahopac, and was eventually promoted to athletic director, and spent the next 15 years watching the program grow.
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Behrends, Bill [MC????]
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Dear John,
I believe that Bill is a member of the Class of 1952.
Mike
[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated. ]
Behrends, Bill [MC1952]
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I played sports at MHS in the early 70′s . Bill Behrends was always there for me and all of the others that came in contact with him. He always encouraged us and always beloved in us. A truly great person and positive influence in my life and many others who were fortunate enough to know him.
Steve Miller