North Carolina A&T

Benders played three sports at East Carteret High School, winning the Mariner Award for the best athlete as a senior at East Carteret. Benders did not participate in track and field until his sophomore year in high school after his cousin persuaded him to join the team. He participated in several events, but it became apparent the high jump would be his main event. Odell earned two state titles in the high jump in 1993 and '94. In 1993, he set a Class 2A state record in the high jump with a leap of 6-feet, 10 ¼ inches. 
 
The record lasted 17 years before it was broken in 2010. Benders spent one year at Fayetteville State before transferring to N.C. A&T. Once he became an Aggie, Benders thrived in the high jump event. He received five All-MEAC honors, winning three event conference titles during his career. He also helped the Aggies win two MEAC championships (1996 indoor and 1996 outdoor). Benders consistently ranked among the top-20 high jumpers in the nation during his career at N.C. A&T, finishing ranked as high as 16th. He still owns the school record in the high jump, as he recorded a leap of 7-feet, 2-inches at the University of North Carolina. The jump also made him a provisional qualifier for the NCAA Track and Field Championships. 
 
In addition, Benders also made the U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) top-50 Athletes list in 1997.