He guided the Harvard men's water polo team to three straight winning seasons, and recruited and coached the team's first-ever All-American. On Dec. 19, however, Don Benson '88 announced his resignation as coach of the Crimson.

"I experienced four fantastic years as a water polo player at Harvard, and an even better four years as the head coach here", said Benson, who complied a 52-46 record at Harvard.

Benson will now devote his full attention to his duties at Chelmsford High School in Massachusetts, where he teaches history and coaches the boys' swimming team.

Although this year's Crimson finished 10-15 and placed fifth in the Northern Division playoffs, Benson steered Harvard to three consecutive winning seasons between 1994 and 1996. Additionally, Benson recruited junior Mike Zimmerman, who received All-American honors after the team's 15-8 campaign in 1996.

Benson himself knew something about playing stellar water polo. As an undergraduate, Benson earned four varsity letters and was twice voted Harvard's Most Valuable Player. In his junior and senior years, he earned All-East and All-New England honors as well.