Without a doubt Pascal Benson is the most talented athlete to ever hail from Henderson, KY. Pascal Ray Benson still stands today as the only athlete in Kentucky history to be named to the 1st team all-state in 3 sports in one year. A feat that is so rare, I was not able to find any other athlete that accomplished that feat in Kentucky or any state.

     Pascal was a southpaw pitcher-first baseman on the City High Flash baseball team that went undefeated in regular season, and finished 3^rd in the state baseball tournament after losing to Murray High School, and then defeating Bell County 7-3 in the consolation game. Pascal finished his junior year with a 9-1 record, which included a rare perfect game in a 12-0 victory in the district tournament over rival Henderson Holy Name. Pascal also went 5 for 5 at bats in that victory, knocking in 3 base runners to help his own cause. 

     Pascal was a forward/guard on the 1954-55 Barret Manual basketball team that finished third in the state with a 29-4 record, and was a center-linebacker on the undefeated City High team in 1955 (10-0) that won the "mythical" Kentucky state football title. Pascal was a starting guard/forward on the City High basketball team that finished 29-3 and runner-up in the state tournament.

     He went on to become a starting lineman at the University of Kentucky and later coached baseball and football at the consolidated Henderson County High School.

     Pascal turned down a contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956, so he could play football for Blanton Collier at the University of Kentucky. Pascal said his only two regrets were not winning the state basketball title, and not playing basketball for Adolph Rupp at the University of Kentucky. He says he was just too beat and tired up to try to play basketball too.

    Pascal received his bachelors degree in Physical education at UK and obtained his masters degree at Murray State, and his first rank also at Murray State. Elaine, (a 1960 Henderson Holy Name graduate) & Pascal married in 1962 and have 3 children. They have two sons Tracy, Edward, and daughter Jodie. Both sons reside in Henderson and daughter Jodie resides in Louisville KY. His favorite memories of Henderson as a student were obviously his sports prowess and the sock hops at City High Gymnasium after the home games.

     Benson said that Bill Haley & his Comets were his favorite singing group. Pascal retired as a teacher at Henderson County High School in 1988, and opened his own driving school the same year. Pascal and his wife Elaine teach ballroom dancing today.