June 28, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina track and field freshman Johnathan Benton was named to the 2005 SEC Good Works Team, announced last week by the SEC.

The conference sponsors Good Works Teams for all 20 league sponsored sports. The Good Works Team looks to highlight an athlete from each school who gives back to his or her community in superior service efforts.

Benton, of Swansea, S.C., was a volunteer for Coaches Curing Cancer and has spent time with after-school program improvements that help restore schools and other community properties. The freshman biology major also volunteered as a counselor at the Heart Works Ministry Summer Camp.

“Johnathan is just another example of the quality of student-athletes we have here at the University of South Carolina,” said USC Head Coach Curtis Frye. “Aside being a good student, who is making significant improvements on the track, he gives his time and effort to making improvements in the local community. We are proud to have student-athletes like Johnathan a part of our program.”

As a pole vaulter for USC, Benton started off the outdoor season with a fifth place finish at the Weems Baskin Relays with a height of 13’11 _, while finishing fourth with a height of 14’5 _ at the USATF South Carolina State Championship. Benton vaulted a season best height of 14’71/4 for 12th place at the Georgia Invitational.