Clint Bendele was a four-year letter winner at Texas State as defensive tackle for the Bobcat football team from 1996-99.
Recruited during the transition from coach Jim Bob Helduser to coach Bob Debesse, Bendele was part of a hard-working, dedicated team and stood out as a leader among the Bobcats – being selected team captain by his teammates during both the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Bendele was a three-time all-conference selection from 1997-99.
Gallery: (11-1-2020) Clint Bendele Hall of Honor
He came to the university in 1995 and redshirted his first season before beginning to play in 1996 when Bendele recorded 35 tackles, one quarterback sack and one tackle for loss. After practicing with the second team for a year, participating in early-morning mat drills and two-a-days, Bendele earned a starting defensive tackle position for the 1997 season. During that season, Bendele almost doubled his recorded tackles at 60, recorded 7.5 quarterback sacks, and three tackles for loss. Bendele was a key component to the 1997 team that defeated No. 6 Troy State at Bobcat Stadium.
Bendele was one of the Bobcats' leading tacklers during the 1998 and 1999 seasons and earned Southland Conference Player of the Week honors in 1998 in the team's game at Troy State. In that contest, Bendele recorded 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one tackle for loss. During the 1998 and 1999 seasons, the Bobcats had one of the top-10 defenses in the country. Bendele finished his career top-10 in career sacks at Texas State.
In 2011, Bendele was named to the All-Time Texas State All-Southland Defensive Team by Bill Culhane and Brant Freeman.
Taking all his games into account, Bendele recalls his best memory as beating conference rival Sam Houston State in 1999 for the first time in his four-year career.
Bendele earned a bachelor's in business administration with a major in finance. Athletics was a large motivating factor in his academic success. When he was not training or studying, Bendele spent time volunteering with the Sunshine Kids, reading to elementary school children in San Marcos ISD, gardening at a local nursing home and assisting in graffiti clean-up. He kept his summers and holidays busy by working at local businesses, such as Rockin R' and Sac N Pac. Centerpoint Station founder, Garland Warren, boasted Bendele as the best “professional gift wrapper” to ever come through Centerpoint Station.
After his time at Texas State, Bendele signed a free agent contract with the National Football League's Washington Redskins (2000). The next season, he signed with the National Football League Europe and the Amsterdam Admirals (2001).
Bendele is currently employed by Dugger, Canaday, Grafe, Inc, Real Estate Appraisers and Consultants. He is recognized as a State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser. His field includes appraising commercial, farm and ranch properties ranging from hotels, convenience store and mini storages to ranches in excess of 200,000 acres. He is recognized as one of the top producers in the industry.
Bendele and his family remain actively involved with Bobcat Athletics. He volunteers his time and support as a member of the official “T” Association Tailgate Team. Bendele's countless hours of dedication to the effort of facilitating participation of athletic alumni have been an integral part of keeping the “T” Association progressing. Bendele is also a Bobcat football season ticket holder and Bobcat Club member. The Bendele family is also involved with the Sts. Peter and Paul Church and School, assisting with the church's fall and spring festival, volunteering for parent teacher committee activities and preparing an annual luncheon for the entire staff during Catholic Schools Week.
A native of Kingsville, Texas, Bendele resides in New Braunfels with his wife, Stacey, who is a Texas State track and field alumna, and their four children – Jackson, Cole, Sofia and Evelyn.
