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Release Date: 
Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Wrestlers Qualify for Nationals--Henderson Named All-American!

Jeffrey Henderson (right) has his arm raised in victory by referee. Henderson became the first All-American wrestler at HFC in March.
Jeffrey Henderson (right) has his arm raised in victory by referee. Henderson became the first All-American wrestler at HFC in March.

Several HFC student athletes of the College's National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) wrestling program qualified for the Nationals and Jeffrey Henderson was named HFC’s first-ever All-American. He finished in 4th place at the 2016 National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Championships March 9-12 at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Fla.

Henderson, of New Boston, competed in the 235-pound weight class in eight matches (6-2) at nationals, placing 4th and scoring 15.50 team points. All All-Americans win a watch and a medal from the NCWA, according to HFC Wrestling Coach Grant MacKenzie. Henderson’s overall record for the 2015-16 season was 23-8.

“It felt so surreal being there. It took more heart than effort to become an All-American. I thought I was done at times, but I just had to dig deeper inside to do this, to become an All-American,” said Henderson.

In addition to Henderson, three other HFC wrestlers qualified for nationals, including Austin Koehler (125-pound weight class), Brad Speen (149-pound weight class) and Darian Holmes (285-pound weight class).

“The only reason I wrestle is because I like it. Always have. I just can’t give it up,” said Henderson.

Henderson graduated from New Boston Huron High School in 2014, where he wrestled for three years and played football for four years. Additionally, he was active in his school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) chapter. At HFC, he is studying Nursing and tentatively expects to graduate with his associate degree in late 2017. From there, he may transfer to Adrian College or Olivet College.

“Henderson has a unique ability to mentally prepare for big matches. He was completely focused for each match. I hope he pursues wrestling at a four-year college or university. He is a talented athlete who still has four years of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA),” said MacKenzie.