Hall of Fame
Darrell Benhardus attended St. Paul Bible College from 1969-1973. He graduated with a degree in history and went on to receive a master of divinity from Bethel Seminary. Darrell has pastored at three different churches and has been the senior pastor at North Haven Church in St. Paul since 1994.
Benhardus is the first cross-country runner to be inducted into the Crown College Hall of Fame. The Storm athletics partial historical records show that in the early 1970’s Benhardus was the medalist (top runner) in every meet in which he ran, even against MIAC opponents Bethel and Augsburg.
Darrell states, “I valued my relationship with coach Bud Pierce. He believed in my abilities and me. He handled my training in a way that didn't burn me out on running but enabled me to retain my love for it so that I am still running 36 years later. I also valued the opportunity to represent Crown in Cross Country meets. By doing well in the races I was able to increase respect for Crown. When running against MIAC schools like Bethel and Augsburg, they didn't expect Crown to have a runner who could beat their best.”
Darrell resides in Oakdale, Minnesota with his wife Jeannie a 1974 Crown graduate. They have two grown daughters Kelly and Katy and one grandchild, Chloe.
