Guthrie High School is set to honor five outstanding alumni with induction into its prestigious Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees, recognized for their remarkable athletic achievements and contributions, include Terry Maurice Bennett Sr., Benjamin Joseph “Joe” Daves, Tamara J. Gracey, Clinton Steele Colbert, and Preston Swanson.
Terry Maurice Bennett Sr., a 1969 graduate of Guthrie High School, was a multi-sport varsity athlete. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Langston University in 1975 and returned to Guthrie Public Schools that same year to begin a distinguished teaching and coaching career.
Known affectionately as “Coach B” by his former students, Bennett coached junior high football, basketball, girls’ track, and baseball during his 34-year career, amassing numerous conference championships and state titles.
Despite his many accolades, Bennett cherishes the opportunity to have coached his son, creating lasting memories during post-game car rides filled with extra “coaching.” Though retired since 2009, he remains an active supporter of Guthrie athletics and can often be found cheering for the Bluejays.
Benjamin Joseph “Joe” Daves was a 1957 Guthrie High graduate and standout member of the 1956 state basketball championship team. He continued his basketball career at Coffeyville Community College, where he earned All-Regional honors, before serving six years in the U.S. Army.
Daves later pursued a master’s degree from Austin Peay University, leading to a celebrated teaching and coaching career in Tennessee. Among his many accolades are three Mid-State Coach of the Year awards, four District Coach of the Year honors, and induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. He guided teams to state titles in 1972, 1973, and 1989 and was deeply involved in the Special Olympics and the promotion of the TJCAA.
Tamara J. Gracey a 1994 Guthrie High School graduate, is regarded as one of the most talented athletes in Lady Jays’ history. A two-time Daily Oklahoman Super Five Basketball Team selection, Gracey was also named the Daily Oklahoman Player of the Year.
It is rumored that in 1992, she became the first female to dunk during a game in Oklahoma.
After high school, she signed with the University of Kansas and later transferred to Florida State University, averaging 10 points per game. Gracey holds degrees in communication and sociology from Florida State, crediting her high school experience for building the strength that guides her today.
Clinton Steele Colbert a 1998 Guthrie graduate excelled in multiple sports before focusing on golf, following his family’s tradition.
He helped lead his team to the state title in 1998 and also claimed the individual championship, earning Oklahoma High School Co-Male Athlete of the Year honors.
Colbert continued his golf career at Savannah College of Art & Design, where he was a two-time All-American and ranked No. 8 in college golf in 2002. After graduation, he played professionally and is now a Class A PGA member.
Colbert resides in Guthrie, where he raises his family and works as an assistant professional at Cimarron National Golf Club.
Preston Swanson, a 2004 graduate of Guthrie High School, was a standout athlete in cross country, track, and wrestling, earning varsity letters in all three sports for four consecutive years.
During his high school career, he was part of one state championship team and two state runner-up teams. Individually, Swanson was a three-time All-Stater in both track and cross country, and in 2003, he claimed the Individual Cross Country State Championship.
Now living in Crescent, Swanson works as both a firefighter and an electrician. Reflecting on his time at Guthrie, he shared, “I had the privilege to run under Coach Tarter, who always held me accountable. I’m grateful for the drive he instilled in me.”
These five individuals will be honored during Guthrie High School’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, recognizing their legacy and contributions to athletics and the community.
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