A cursory review of the NFHS’ online National High School Sports Record Book reveals that coach Dave Hennessey of Penfield (New York) High School holds the all-time national record for boys cross country victories.

However, what makes that even more impressive – doubly so – is the fact that he also holds the national record for girls cross country victories.

Dave Hennessey

Since 1975, the Hennessey-coached Penfield boys program has amassed a 515-232 win-loss record. Not to be outdone, the girls program also recently reached that elusive 500-victory plateau, as Hennessey has steered it to a 500-171 record since 1978. Although the Record Book currently has no such category for “Most Cross Country Coaching Victories, Boys and Girls Combined,” Hennessey’s collective record stands at 1,015-303, and he almost certainly does hold the aforementioned dual-sport distinction.

Among the many luminaries produced by this Rochester suburb of 36,242 denizens located a scant eight miles from the shores of Lake Ontario are soccer player Abby Wambach, former pro wrestler Chyna, Foreigner front man Lou Gramm and actor Robert Forster.

However, perhaps none of those individuals has had the impact in their respective professions that Hennessey has enjoyed during his glittering coaching career. While going to school, Hennessey exhibited glimpses into the greatness that was to follow.

The 2014 Penfield High School girls cross country team.

“We moved around a lot, but from grades nine through 12 I went to Rush Henrietta High School, graduating in 1970,” Hennessey said. “I was a runner during my junior and senior years, after attempting to be a baseball player my freshman and sophomore years. I batted a perfect 1.000 my freshman year – 1-for-1 with two walks.

“I then went to the University of Rochester where I ran cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track. I graduated in 1974 with a major in political science and a minor in history and education. I also had the school record in the steeplechase – it is good being the first one to ever do a particular event!

“During my high school and college years, I coached baseball for the Rush Henrietta Athletic Association, so I had the coaching bug. At Penfield, some of the runners were unhappy with their coaches, so they were told, ‘See if you can find someone you like.’ They called around and my college coach Tim Hale suggested me. I went for an interview with athletic director Jim Cleveland, and the rest is history.”

Often a challenging sport for which to attract athletes, Hennessey has built up the Patriots’ cross country numbers throughout the years.

“It used to be difficult to get kids out for the team, but not anymore,” Hennessey said. “I think the success we have had, coupled with the fact that we are one big family, attracts all sorts of athletes to the sport.

“We have 74 runners on this year’s squad, including 48 girls. We have had a large number of girls doing track – last year we had more than 120. Many of them like what they’re doing, so they also participate in cross country.

The 2014 Penfield High School boys cross country team.

“For me, the most personally satisfying part of coaching is watching each athlete improve – I get the same degree of satisfaction watching one of my runners win a race as watching one complete his or her first race. I can relate to both based on my own career, so I take pleasure watching both occur.”

This fall’s Penfield cross country teams are enjoying success, and have actually exceeded expectations in the eyes of some observers.

“Both teams are doing well, thank you – better than most people including some of the athletes expected,” Hennessey said. “The girls lost several outstanding runners last year, yet we are still in the battle for the county and sectional titles. The boys are young, but they have a good attitude. I see great success for them, and possibly a title during the next two years. At this time, the girls are 17–1 and the boys are 12–6.”

Hennessey earned some very well-deserved recognition when he was inducted into the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Section V Cross Country Hall of Fame.

“It was a great honor when I was told I was being inducted,” Hennessey recalled. “In the nomination process, they asked me about my win-loss record and that’s when I discovered what it was. Being inducted with other great Section V athletes and coaches such as John Tuttle, Pete Pfitzinger, Grant Whitney, Mike Szpanic, Tom Cole, Gary Thompson and Deresa Walters is a tremendous honor.”

In addition to coaching cross country, Hennessey coaches indoor track and outdoor track. When pressed to select his favorite sport among the three, he opts for the fall sport.

“I still coach all three sports – I am the NYSPHSAA Section V and the girls’ state chairman for indoor track, and the Monroe County chairman for boys outdoor track,” Hennessey said. “Each sport is different and has its own pros and cons, but if I picked only one, it would be cross country. The simplicity, the camaraderie of the athletes, and the great time of year all blend into cross country being No. 1.”

Owning the distinction of being the nation’s all-time winningest coach in both boys and girls cross country makes Hennessey reflect back on the true reasons for that remarkable success.

Coach Hennessey with former athletes (left) Laurie Grover Traveres, who later competed in the biathlon in the Olympics, and Katie Lembo, who won the 2013 state title in the 3,000-meter run.

“Being the winningest coach in both sports simply means that I have been around a long time,” Hennessey began. “More importantly, I have been fortunate to be able to coach a large number of young men and women who have had a positive work ethic and a desire to succeed over many years. When I started, did I think I would be where I am today – no, but it has been a great ride.

“Looking back, it would be hard to pick just one or two teams out of all that I have coached as the one that stands above the others. Each was unique in its own way, and I was lucky to be able to work with them.

“The same is true for the runners. I have many who stand out for a variety of reasons – some as champions, others because of who they were and what they have become.”

At an energetic 62, Hennessey still loves what he does, and looks toward both short-term and long-term goals in his career.

“My goals for this year are the same as they have been the past whatever years,” Hennessey said. “I want to see each athlete improve his or her times, I want them to be happy they are on the team, I want them to show good sportsmanship, and I want them to be eligible for the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Award. If we do that, then everything else will take care of itself. As long as I am enjoying coaching, and I feel that I am contributing to the welfare of my athletes, then I hope to continue coaching.”