Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Jared Bennet of Concord High
Jared Bennet
Grade: Senior
School: Concord High
Sport: Baseball
CONCORD, CA (Mar. 28, 2024) — Bennet is in his second year as a varsity baseball player at Concord High and he’s looking to help his newly named Bears to a successful season before he graduates this spring. The team is off to a good start with four wins in its first five games as they seek the school’s first North Coast Section playoff invite since 2018.
Bennet broke into the varsity lineup a year ago in fine fashion that garnered him second-team all-Diablo Athletic League honors. Coach Matt Harrod says, “Every team needs a vocal leader who is passionate about baseball and the well-being of the team. Jared is that guy for us. He is typically the first to arrive at practice to receive extra reps and often times the last to leave. He leads by example and has established a high level of expectations for both himself and his teammates.”
High energy and effort player
Harrod uses the senior as a starting pitcher, infielder and a middle of the order presence for the Bears at the plate. The coach adds, “He fills these roles effectively and efficiently. Not only is Jared a high energy and effort player for us on the field, but his effort in the class is exemplary as well. He currently sports a 4.2 GPA while taking challenging classes like AP Calculus. Bennet plans to continue his studies and baseball career at Dordt University in Iowa next fall.
The Pioneer congratulates Jared and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com
Jay Bedecarré
Jay Bedecarré is a long-time resident and writer in Concord and Clayton. He began his newspaper writing career while still a senior at Mt. Diablo High School and he has been part of The Pioneer since its inception in 2003. Jay also operates Bay Area Festivals, presenting events around the San Francisco Bay Area including Bay Area KidFest annually in Downtown Concord.