By Mark Coddington
mark.coddington@theindependent.com

Now, as the team's coach, he's always on the lookout for would-be athletes he can recruit into the fold.

He's not in the neighborhood of a Bo Pelini intensity level, but coaching in the Special Olympics is definitely in his blood.

That also goes for his wife, Karen, who coaches athletes for individual skills competitions. And their three kids, Tyson, Haley and Paige, who have been volunteering as long as mom and dad have been involved.

"It's just part of us now," Karen said. "The family's a lot bigger."

The Benners, who live near Central City, were honored this fall as the Special Olympics of Nebraska's Volunteer Family of the Year.

They've played an indispensable role in the growth of Central City's Special Olympics team, said Carolyn Kucera, who founded the team 18 years ago.

Kucera described Don and Karen as compassionate, caring leaders who have a knack for recognizing athletes' abilities and making sure they feel successful.

"They've helped kids become aware of what they can do," she said. "I can't say enough about them."

Don coaches a 3-on-3 unified team made up of both special athletes and volunteers, one of only a few in the state.

The arrangement gives mentally challenged competitors a chance to learn teamwork and cooperation with volunteers who are often high school students. It also gives those volunteers valuable exposure to their mentally challenged peers, helping foster mutual understanding, Karen said.

The team practices twice a month throughout the fall and winter, leading up to its district and state competitions (This year's districts run next weekend in Lincoln).

The Benners are busy parents Don farms, and Karen teaches at High Plains Community Schools in Clarks but they don't miss a practice.

"They give a lot of their time and energy, and that's really reflected in our team," Kucera said.

Kucera said the Benners' work in basketball has helped draw new athletes into the program, which also includes volleyball, track and equestrian events.

Nick Rodine of rural Polk is one of those new athletes. He's been the student manager for High Plains' boys basketball team, and after watching his brothers play on that team, he jumped at the chance to compete himself.

Rodine said he loves meeting new friends and especially shooting three-pointers.

When asked how Don stacks up as a coach, Nick hesitated. Last year, the Benners' son, Tyson, subbed as coach at the state competition, and the team didn't lose a game.

"We had a better record with Tyson," he said, grinning.

Crissy Bader of Palmer, who nominated the Benners for the award, has an 11-year-old son, Wyatt, who plays on Don's 3-on-3 team.

Wyatt wrestles on a team at school, but as a boy with Down syndrome, he's felt more at home in the Special Olympics program, where he's met new friends from throughout the area.

"He can shine in that area," Bader said. "It kind of helps him feel a little more at ease."

Karen Benner noted that running a Special Olympics program is a team effort that requires a bevy of supportive parents and volunteers, and unlike in many areas, Central City's Special Olympics program is flush with them. Bader counted more than 30 across all sports for about a dozen athletes.

More than a few of those volunteers over the past several years have come through the Benner family. Not only have Don's and Karen's three children been heavily involved, but they've also drawn in extended family members, like their nephew, Central City senior Nick Benner. Karen also recruits volunteers from High Plains at work.

Karen said the family's passion is fueled by Don's younger brother, Alan, who has been competing in the Special Olympics for at least 30 years, including in the international games in 1991.

But they also love the pride that comes out during opening ceremonies, the competitive fire that fuels the games and the hugs and smiles that come afterward, whatever the result.

"It's been paid back to us many times," Karen said of her family's investment.

"You'd think these kids would be down," Don added. "But they're always upbeat."