Behnke to share story of SPASH’s 1985 championship season at library talk

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT – The Portage County Public Library will host longtime Stevens Point Area Senior High cross-country coach and author Donn Behnke for a talk about his book and the 40th anniversary of the team’s historic 1985 season.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, at the library’s Stevens Point Branch, 1001 Main St. It is free to attend and open to the public, with no registration required.

Behnke will discuss The Animal Keepers, his book chronicling the unlikely rise of the 1985 SPASH boys’ cross-country team and its inspirational leader, Scott “The Animal” Longley. The team’s journey, fueled by Longley’s determination and team spirit, led to a memorable run toward a state championship that continues to resonate with fans of the sport decades later.

The evening will include a question-and-answer session, offering the community a chance to revisit one of SPASH’s most celebrated athletic stories.

For more information, call 715-346-1548 or visit pocolibrary.org/events.