Athletic Hall of Fame
Alan Behnke ’65 earned his BA in education from Concordia and his MA in physical education from Michigan State University in 1969.
Behnke held multiple individual rushing records upon graduation. His 2,191 career yards and 5.04 yards per carry stood as Cougar records for 45 seasons. Behnke’s record of a 96-yard run from scrimmage still stands through 2012.
Behnke was a “big play” halfback for the Cougars. His first touchdown in the second game of his freshman year was the only score in a 7-0 victory. Later that season, Behnke recorded two runs of over 70 yards each, one going for a touchdown as part of a homecoming win. Also in 1961, he recorded a 170-yard game. Behnke finished his career with five touchdown runs of more than 60 yards and eight of over 40 yards.
Behnke also lettered four years in track as a sprinter. He holds the school record in the 220-yard dash with a time of 22.2 seconds and was part of the 1964 record-setting 440-yard relay team.
Behnke began graduate studies at Michigan State before teaching at Concordia College in Bronxville, New York. He became the Clippers’ athletic director in 1968 and, within the next two years, reinstituted the school’s football program in 1970 serving as co-head coach. He then led as head coach from 1971 to 1977. Behnke moved on to Long Island Lutheran High School serving as athletic director and head football coach from 1977 to 1985. During his tenure, Behnke took the team from a losing record to an undefeated season in 1983.
