North Central College Athletics

Glenn Behnke was the first great cross country/track and field runner at North Central, starting a tradition that has continued for more than 30 years and resulted in the College becoming one of the premier National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III programs in the country. 

In cross country, Behnke was All-American in 1972 and 1973 and was the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Cross Country Champion in 1974, setting a new conference record with a time of 24:24.8. He was also an All-American track performer, winning the six-mile (29:30.8) in 1974 and setting a Division III record in the process. That same year, he was CCIW Champion in both the three-mile run (14:11.4) and six-mile run (30:16.6). He was also CCIW Champion in 1972 in the three-mile run (14:25.4). Behnke still holds the North Central College record in the six-mile run (29:06.8, 1974). 

Out of eighty-one individuals, Behnke's record was an all-time high for transfer students. He was the team leader, with the team winning its second league title and defending the NAIA crown. Despite the effort to secure their title once more, the team finished thirteenth at the Notre Dame Invitational, where they had rounded off their season by taking sixth place in the NCAA small college meet.

During his time at North Central, Behnke was an All-American runner. His name is not uncommon to those who closely follow NCC athletics. Behnke had said that "finishing thirteenth in the NCAA Nationals, and being All-American, was my biggest thrill."

After graduating in 1974, Behnke remained at the College for five years as a cross country and track coach. He then worked in the medical equipment industry for 10 years before managing retail outlets for several years. Behnke returned to the College in 1992 and supervised Merner Field House for 10 years.