When Travis Henson became head coach of Landrum’s varsity baseball team in 2001, he asked his father, long-time high school baseball coach, Jerry Henson, what he would need most to become a good coach.

What attitude? What skills?

“Dad told me that good players would make me a good coach,” smiled Henson.

“I had great players,” remembered the younger Henson, who, with Jerry assisting, coached the Cardinals to state championships in 2002, 2005 and 2007.

Both Jerry and Travis, and their players from those three memorable seasons, were honored during a pre-game ceremony last Thursday, March 28 at Landrum’s Steve Coley Field.

Travis, who had played for Blue Ridge High School under Jerry, learned from one of the best. Jerry coached and taught at Blue Ridge for 42 years, narrowly missing state championships, but winning the Upper State championship.

“He retired from Blue Ridge, just to help me (at Landrum),” said Travis. “We had a lot of fun.”