Woodbridge High School athletic scholarship will honor the legacy of K.J. Bentley

Woodbridge High School’s athletic boosters have established a scholarship in honor of the late English teacher and wrestling coach Kent “K.J.” Bentley. The award, to be presented in June, will recognize a graduating male athlete and a graduating female athlete from Woodbridge. Each will each receive $2,000 for college tuition.

According to the application, candidates should reflect the spirit of Mr. Bentley, both in the classroom and in their respective sport. The popular coach, who died at age 46 on Sept. 20, encouraged his students and athletes to always give their best effort and to conduct themselves with integrity. “K.J. was always about the athlete who gave 100 percent to his sport and to the team,” said his wife, Mary Bentley. “It didn't matter what their record was or how successful of an athlete they were, it was more about their attitude with their teammates and how they handled themselves with their opponents. He would talk about that kid who would work hard and always give his best effort. ‘When you leave the mat, no regrets,’ he would say.”  The scholarship recipients will be announced at Woodbridge High’s annual Senior Breakfast on June 6. For more information, visit the Woodbridge High website, or contact Athletic Directors Alan Dugard or Rick Gibson.