Washington State University Athletics

Loren “Bill” Benke won the 1937 NCAA championship in the 440-yard dash, one of two All-American certificates he earned. That year he was a member of the mile relay team that set the Washington State, Pacific Coast Conference, NCAA, American and World Records. In 1935, Benke was the PCC champion in the 220-yard low hurdles and the long jump and was a member of the mile relay team that captured the conference title. In 1936, he was an All-American in the 440-yard hurdles and completed at the United States Olympic Trials in the event.