Baby has Benner ready for red-eye

Jody Benner probably didn’t have a difficult time arising early Wednesday morning to join the University of Maine women’s basketball team for its 3:45 a.m. departure from Orono on its way to Honolulu to play in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic.

Benner, the Black Bears’ associate head coach, has had some practice waking up in the wee, small hours since the birth of his son, Luke Thomas, 12 days ago.

“I have bags under my eyes,” Benner joked, hours before UMaine began its journey west.

The trip to Hawaii represents the latest chapter in a whirlwind fall for Benner, who has been balancing his duties as a coach and recruiter with those of doting husband to wife Christine and devoted father to 3-year-old daughter Kate.

“It’s been a very hectic fall,” said the 33-year-old Benner, who had expected he would not be able to make the trip with the baby originally due Nov. 17.

Benner has been busy working with the Bears at practice while also trying to make sure UMaine landed the three players it was recruiting. In the meantime, the Benners had been awaiting the arrival of their second child.

Little Luke was born 10 days early, on Nov. 7, only five days before the first day of the National Letter of Intent early signing period. Benner made sure the letters were sent out and used his laptop and cell phone to take care of work-related duties at home.

UMaine head coach Sharon Versyp tried to make sure Benner didn’t feel overwhelmed.

“Sharon said, ‘do what you’ve got to do, we’ll hold down the fort,'” explained an appreciative Benner, who wound up missing several practices and the Bears’ final exhibition game.

“She said, ‘you’ve got to take care of your family. Worry about them.'”

Luke required a couple of extra days in the hospital, which meant some extra anxiety for the Benners, so the extra time at home was important. They used the time to help Kate get used to the idea of having a baby brother in the house.

Once the baby was home and the family began to settle into its new routine, Christine unselfishly encouraged her husband to accompany the Bears to Hawaii.

“She said, ‘look, you might as well go. It’s not like you can do the feedings,'” Jody Benner said. “I could not ask for a woman who could be more understanding than my wife is. She’s amazing.”

During the five days Benner is gone, Christine’s parents plan to stay with her and the children in Bangor. Benner’s parents also have offered their services, if needed.

“It’s been a little stressful but it has turned out very well,” Jody Benner said. “Our son is home and healthy and my wife’s doing well. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”