TJ Benenati is an amazing young man who is loved by all that know him. A rare combination of talent, intelligence, and humbleness TJ is truly a one-in-a-million kind of person. You may know him from his time spent scoring touchdowns on Friday nights, his valedictorian status in school, or being hoisted up on the shoulders of his friends after being named the homecoming king; but TJ has an amazing story that not all of his acquaintances know about. He is a very mature kid who had to grow up fast and learn to become a great leader who is accountable for much more than just himself at a young age. His great qualities and leadership skills have earned him the 2013 Hilltop Echo Leadership Award.
TJ has always been a kind and likable person and the last person you would ever want to see bad things happen to. However, tragedy struck TJ and his family in 2009 when his mother passed away from heart related issues. Mrs. Benenati was a great woman and the community was hit hard by her loss. TJ was forced to respond to this terrible adversity in his life and had to become a leader in his household while only in the eighth grade. It became his responsibility to help take care of his younger brothers Tommy, and Nicki, who has downs syndrome. At such a young age this would seem to be a daunting task but TJ never batted an eye when faced with his new responsibilities. “TJ has shown great leadership in his personal life, helping out his dad after his mom passed away with taking care of Nicki. He is such a humble and positive guy; He is really a great influence,” said lifetime good friend of Benenati, Darren Maruna.
TJ has shown leadership outside of his home life as well, leading the football team to their first playoff run in five years. “TJ is the type of guy that you want to play for, he is very soft-spoken but when he talks, people just listen. He is a great leader,” close friend and teammate Jack LeMaster commented.
“Something that most fans don’t really know is just how much faith we had in TJ to audible this season. About 50 percent of the plays this season were audibles at the line that TJ called himself,” Coach and friend, Ty Merkle said. “He did audible to himself a lot, maybe trying to pad those rushing stats,” he jokingly added.
TJ had an incredible senior season at the quarterback position. He gained attention from major news networks and newspapers. There were article written about him and his story in publications like the News Herald and even the Cleveland Plain Dealer. TJ amassed 1,663 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in his senior season, and also added over 400 passing yards with three TD’s while leading the team to an impressive 8-2 regular season record. A deadly combination of blazing speed, a high football IQ, and unmatchable toughness, Benenati lead the charge for the Hilltoppers
into the playoffs. Merkle laughingly recalls a fond memory of Benenati playing, “We would always try to swag him out. He used to wear short white socks and nothing on his arms to games, but by the end of the year we had him wearing long socks, a sleeve, gloves and a handwarmer.”
In the second game of the playoffs, after delivering an embarrassing defeat to a very confident Warren Howland, TJ outplayed Kenston’s division I quarterback Daryl Richards, a Toledo recruit, to win the game 34-15 in front of thousands of fans at MentorHigh School’s stadium.
“TJ said before the Kenston game that he was going to kill them with kindness. We told him not to but the whole game I could see him picking up the other team and telling them good job,” laughed seniors Dustin Knerr and Jack LeMaster.
TJ has touched so many of us here at CHS with his kindess and great attitude. “TJ is so humble; you wouldn’t even know that he was such a stud unless you actually saw him play. He never brags about any of his successes,” commented Maruna affectionately.
“TJ is not the typical football player,” Merkle explained. “He is very humble and is actually a huge nerd. He is constantly talking about video games or star wars or something,” Laughed Merkle. “I am glad to have developed such a great friendship with him this year,” he added.
“TJ has always been a great friend and a good person to talk to. He is one of the most mature people I know and I respect how he stepped up and took care of his family,” Senior RJ Pikus said admiringly.
I am proud to say that TJ is one of my good friends and I am so lucky to have known him since we were only seven years old playing football together for our lions club team. Anyone who has had the privilege to meet TJ knows what a special person he is. We here at the Hilltop Echo wish the best for TJ as he continues his education at CaseWestern ReserveUniversity.