Dick Hendrickson (2009)
Cabot HS, UCA, North Little Rock.
Named the outstanding athlete in sr. year at Cabot HS. Participated in six track and field events, the 100, 220, 440 and 880 relays, shot and discus. Set records in the district and regional meets in the 220 and discus. In 1953 Hendrickson scored 16.25 points to lead Cabot to the district championship, finishing 1st in the 100-yd dash (10.1), 1st in the 220 (22.9), 1st in the discus (NR) and 1st in the 440 relay. Team finished 2nd in state with Hendrickson as 1st in the 100, 2nd in the 220 and 3rd in the discus,, scoring 10 points. In 1955-57 at ASTC (now UCA) he lettered two tears in football and track, anchoring three AIC championship relay teams. In 1956, 1st in the 440 relay (43.2 school record) and 1st in the 880 relay. In 1957, 1st in the 880 relay and contributing to two AIC championships and the 8th consecutive for the Bears. Hendrickson is a member of the UCA Track and Field Honor Roll. In 1957 he became head football and track coach at El Dorado Jr. High (2 years) and then three years as EHS track and assistant football coach. He organized the Oil Belt Relays and drew teams such as LR Central and Crossett to participate. 1963-1966 Hendrickson coached at NLR Ridgeroad Jr. High, winning numerous conference and regional championships. In 1969 he became A.D. for the NLR School District. Some achievements while serving as NLR A.D. included construction of a tartan track and instituting girls athletics at four jr. high and two high schools, with emphasis on track and field. Organized and directed Wildcat Relays and Northeast Charger Relays with 20 jr. and sr. high divisions, for 20 years. Served as timer for LR Central Tiger Relays and on the AAA’s Track and Field Advisory Committee (5 years). Named A.D. of the Year in 76-77. In 1979 was one of six recipients of the NFHF Citation for outstanding contributions to high school athletics. In 1986 was Arkansas A.D. of the Year and Regional (15 states) A.D. of the Year. Hendrickson was inducted into the inaugural class of 2007 of the Arkansas High School Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame. In 2009 he was inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame and was the Arkansas NIAAA Hall of Fame nominee. |