HENDERSON ON THE TRACK
Henderson single handedly won third place for his track team at the state meet.
Photo by Mark Guthrel
The Pekin star was somewhat shocked this spring when a parent introduced him to his 6-year-old son, who had been watching him closely during a track meet. "That never happened to me before," he admitted. "I never thought that what I was doing could fire up kids. It started to make me think. Since I've always had a positive attitude, I'll try to help out little kids (as a role model)."
His track accolades include:
* He won five Class 3A (largest class) state championships as a junior: indoor 60- and 200-meter dashes; outdoor 100-, and 200-meter dashes plus the long jump.
Henderson's name is all over the school record book.
Photo by Mark Guthrel
* He holds or shares nine school records: indoor 60 (6.85), 200 (22.55) and long jump (23-2 1/4), outdoor 100 (10.51), 200 (21.50), 400 (48.72) and long jump (23-11 1/4) plus 4x100 (42.47) and 4x200 (1:30.64) relays.
* He scored all 31 points in state meet during the spring, enabling the Dragons to place third and win their first track team trophy. He was rewarded by being asked to throw out the first pitch for a recent Peoria Chiefs minor league baseball game.
* He found out he could overcome his superstitious nature. Good friend Mathew McClanahan was not allowed to hold his blocks due to state rules (the holder had to be appointed), which Henderson termed "definitely Earth-shattering." Still, he won three championships.
* Because he finished ninth in the 400, Henderson is more determined than ever to leave his mark on the 2014 state meet. He explained, "It gives me the motivation to come back next year and win four events."
Coach speak: "He struggled through a nagging injury (lower back muscle spasm) in the middle of the season and ended up peaking at the right time. He's so smooth, glides and is so effortless. What sets him apart is that he doesn't gloat or showboat. He's probably the best all-around athlete to ever come out of Pekin, Ill. Our sprint coach (Eric McCann) says this kid can make a living out of running."
- Track coach Marshall Tucker
