Kenny Dennis, masters sprint legend, dies in Las Vegas

I spoke by phone tonight with Nick Newton, a masters superstar in his own right, who confirmed the news I’d received in email from several sources — that Kenny Dennis of Las Vegas had died two weeks ago during a knee procedure at a local hospital. Apparently, a heart blockage led to his death during the operation. He was later cremated, I was told. Last October, I wrote about a heart-bypass that he underwent. So this may be related. I searched the Obituary section of the paper and couldn’t find a listing for him. This is such a terrible shock to Kenny’s many friends, including Nick, who said he ran against Kenny for 30 years. I share in their sorrow, since Kenny was always friendly to me. He would have been 71 in May.


Meanwhile, a false rumor has been circulating that Southern California Striders sprinter Doug Smith had died. No, he’s doing well, and will compete in the M65 group this season. Apparently some people got our Doug Smith mixed up with another 68-year-old Doug Smith, an Arcadia High School coaching legend.
I don’t know what Kenny did in college, but here’s a writeup on his incredible California state meet efforts in 1955:

1955 – LOS ANGELES COLISEUM; SATURDAY, MAY 28
As the 37th State Meet began, many fans, coaches, and athletes wondered if the record-setting performances of the previous two years-five National and ten Meet records broken or tied-would continue. Most felt it would. Their confidence was due in part to Centennial’s Charlie Dumas (runnerup in last year’s Meet) who had already topped the National high jump mark three times with a best of 6-8 7/8. The 880 relay team of Jefferson, LA had also created a lot of excitement when they qualified for the Meet with a flashy 1:27.8, only 2/10 off the Meet and National records.
Dick Dailey of Hayward, who defeated Charlie Dumas in the 1954 high jump, was the only returning winner. Other notable returnees were Eddie King of Salinas in the 440 (2nd), Ray Hale of Downey, Modesto in the mile (2nd), and Leonard Havens of Avenal in the 880 (3rd).
Centennial of Compton was the pre-Meet favorite for the team title with Jordan, LA tabbed for second.
STATE MEET RECORDS
The records continued to fall as three National and Meet records were broken. As expected, Charlie Dumas of Centennial broke the listed National record of 6-7 1/8 set in 1938 by Gil LaCava of Beverly Hills by clearing 6-9 3/8. Dailey of Hayward and Torrance of Grant, Sacramento tied for 2nd at 6-5. Dumas’ jump broke his own pending mark of 6-8 7/8 set earlier in the year. Tod White of Newport Harbor won the mile in 4:20.0 to break the old National record of 4:20.4 set in 1954 by Max
Truex of Warsaw, Indiana. Ray Hale of Downey, Modesto finished 2nd once again, this time with a fine 4:21.2. The third National and Meet record went to the 880 relay team of Jefferson, LA as they broke the existing mark of 1:27.6 held jointly by North Des Moines High, Des Moines, Iowa (1948) and Manual Arts, LA (1953) by running 1:27.2. The team of Henry Phillips, Willie White, Harold Brice, and Ed Walter broke the record twice as they also ran 1:27.3 in a heat.
Mile Tod White (Newport Harbor) 4:20.0 (Nat’l)
(old 4:21.0, Seaman, 1953)
High Jump Charlie Dumas (Centennial, Compton) 6-9 3/8 (Nat’l)
(old 6-7 1/8, LaCava, 1938)
880 Relay Jefferson, LA 1:27.2 (Nat’l)
(old 1:27.6, Manual Arts, LA, 1953)
HIGHLIGHTS
The intensity of the competition in this Meet was so great that for the first time since 1939 there was no double winner. Ken Dennis, Centennial’s sprinter, came closest as he won the 100 in 10.0 and finished second in the 220. He also ran on Centennial’s second place 880 relay team.
Four juniors had great days for themselves. Bob Poynter of Pasadena won the 220 in 21.6 and took third in the century. Willie White (Jefferson, LA) finished second in the low hurdles, fourth in the 100, and ran on the record-setting relay team. Rudy Jackson of Richmond was also a double placer as he took second in the 100 and fourth in the 220. Jerry White of Corcoran won the 440 in 48.7, with Eddie King of Salinas 2nd.
Centennial’s hurdling duo of Paul Lowe and Ken Thompson won the hurdles. Thompson won the highs over Goodman (Pierce) in 14.3 and Lowe won the lows in 19.2. Leonard Havens of Avenal won the 880 in 1:57.0.
Charlie Dumas (Centennial) and Tod White (Newport Harbor) were probably the top athletes competing in the Meet as evidenced by their National and Meet record. Dumas achieved Olympic fame in 1956 as he won the Olympic high jump title by clearing 6-11 1/2. He was also the first to surpass the 7-foot barrier, setting a World record of 7-0 1/2 in 1956.
TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (Meet scored 5-4-3-2-1)
Centennial of Compton returned the team championship to Southern California by easily ouscoring runnerup Jordan, LA 29 to 20. Centennial had 4 first places. Jefferson, LA was a close third with 19 points, followed by Pasadena with 8, all of which were scored by Bob Poynter.
Centennial, Compton 29 pts. 4-2nd in 880 relay
9-Dennis, 1st in 100, 2nd in 220
5-Thompson, 1st in HH
5-Lowe, 1st in LH
5-Dumas, 1st in HJ
1-Blaylock, 5th in BJ
Jordan, LA 20 1-5th in 880 relay
5-Finney, 1st in PV
5-Baines, 1st in BJ
4-Washington, 2nd in BJ
3-Neal, 3rd in 440
2-Watkins, 4th in BJ
Jefferson, LA 19 5-1st in 880 relay
6-White, 2nd in LH, 4th in 100
3-Walter, 3rd in 220
3-Newman, 3rd in Mile
2-Stansell, 4th in 880

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April 14, 2008

12 Responses

  1. Jeff Davison - April 14, 2008

    Our prayers are out to his family and close friends.
    -Jeff

  2. Juan P. Bustamante - April 14, 2008

    Dear Kenny: I always will remember your quiet demenor and, who knows. I may join you soon since I had been diagnosed a relapse of my melanoma last week. My condolonces to his loves ones.

  3. Xerxes Reamer - April 15, 2008

    Ken Dennis was my track coach. I ran track with Ken’s son mike at Inglewood high school. I spoke with Ken thursday before he passed, my dad just had a valve put in his heart as well as an aorta, and ken was asking about my father, and when am I going to run my first masters. My dad and Ken went to fremont high in 1954. I will always remember Ken talking to me about proper starting technique and how,s your father. Ken and my dad John Reamer were always close.
    I speak to mike daily, about various phone calls Ive gotten on behalf of the Dennis family. Ken Dennis
    will truly be missed. The Good thing about this is that his Son Mike is considering Running! Keep the family in your prayers,
    and if Mike does run, it will Make all that knew Ken
    so proud, because Mike Dennis was the only one to
    constantly beat Houston Mctear out of the Blocks in the early 1980’s. and the fastest sprinter that Ken knew besides himself.
    Thank’s Ken Stone for posting this Blog about Ken Dennis. Xerxes Reamer Student of Ken Dennis (Friend of Michael Dennis &
    Mary Dennis)

  4. Bill Collins - April 15, 2008

    This is really sad news for all of us in masters track that knew Kenny, he was always a joy to be around and a great runner, that will be missed.

  5. peter taylor - April 15, 2008

    Kenny Dennis brought a lot of color and excitement to masters track, and he will definitely be missed. I had the distinct honor of announcing him on several occasions, and I knew I was looking at real talent. A tough loss.

  6. Steve Bowles - April 15, 2008

    Kenny Dennis was truly a class act. He was a great personal friend, tough competitor, training partner, and a gentleman. My wife and I will miss him.

  7. Doug Smith - April 15, 2008

    Very sad news, indeed. Kenny was a friend and teammate when we competed for Corona Del Mar TC in ’79 and all during the 80’s. His “Hey man!” was his trademark, and I shall remember his encouraging “Go, Man!”, as he would hand off the baton in our relays. I never heard him speak ill of anyone, and will remember the many laughs we enjoyed together. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. God Bless, Kenny Dennis, a champion in every way.

  8. Xerxes Reamer - April 15, 2008

    If anyone has any footage of Ken Dennis Running please
    contact me. Michael Dennis and I are building a website
    dedicated to Ken Dennis and the Dennis family Tradition Mack Dennis Ken’s father, Ken Dennis, and Mike Dennis Ken’s son. I have been in touch with Harold Tolson, and he is willing to offer his footage of Ken Running.
    If anyone would like to contribute to the memory of Ken that would be great. Thanks so much Xerxes Reamer(Ken Dennis Track student)
    Feel free to email me at
    http://www.pastorxerxes@yahoo.com

  9. Dale Lance - April 15, 2008

    I enjoyed running against the wind with Ken at several events, where he always beat me to the finish. A grand champion and gentleman.

  10. Roger Pierce - April 16, 2008

    I can remember hearing about Ken Dennis ever since I came back to track as a masters sprinter 24 years ago. His accomplishments were awesome. He was constantly breaking a sprint record or posting incredible times. I spoke with him a few times over the years and was impressed with his humble and quiet presence. He was kind gentle soul..with an incredible start and always ran a fierce dominating race. A little guy (in stature) with the heart and strength of a lion.
    He will be remembered.

  11. Kettrell Berry - April 16, 2008

    Mr. Dennis for no reason gave me pointers on my start. It was a kind gesture and our friendship went from there. He will live on in my heart on and off the track.

  12. Thomas Gilliard - April 21, 2008

    One of the things I enjoy about masters track and field is the bonding spirit of friendship that grows between the athletes. I believe, there is an oneness about this group of people that is always heart felt, uplifting and, fun.

    I used to travel and compete with sprinter Marion McCoy (currently M55), a friend of Kenny Dennis. And through Marion I met Kenny. I found Kenny to be very likable, informative and, a willing instructor towards helping me sprint. I met him only once, but his essence and words of wisdom have stayed with me to this day, may he rest in peace. Kenny Dennis was a wonderful person.

    Thomas Gilliard
    M (45) 110 Hurdler
    (PTFA) Director

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