So, apparently, did their players. From 2001 through 2008, Travis and Jerry won 182 games. In 2006, the Cardinals were Upper State champions, and narrowly missed capturing three consecutive state championships.

“I got to watch every game you played,” current Landrum athletic director John Cann told the Hensons. “It was a privilege and a thrill.”

Cann presented the Henson duo with a huge plaque detailing some of their accomplishments, and sporting photographs of some thrilling moments in recent Landrum sport history.

“We represent all those who have gone to this school before,” remarked Travis Henson, who recalled some big wins and great plays. “I can’t remember all that stuff, but I remember the men.”

And many of those men showed up, where they received a warm welcome from both of the Hensons, and the crowd.

Henson described Landrum as “a community of good people.” He also remembered that current Cardinal head coach Ray McCallister gave him lots of advice.

“It’s family,” continued Henson.  “The Blue Ridge Community and the Landrum Community. It’s all about family.”

After his success at Landrum, Travis Henson was offered a job coaching baseball at North Greenville University. In his second season there, his team won the national championship, and the next year, they were national runners-up.

But his tenure at Landrum provided something he missed.

“I missed high school coaching and high school teaching,” recalled Henson, who, ironically, now coaches Blue Ridge, the team who defeated a young, up-and-coming Landrum team in March 28th’s game.

“Be enthusiastic; be confident,” advised Travis Henson, who displays those qualities to an exorbitant degree. “It plays over to your players.”

See pictures of guys from the winning teams and other photos from the event, and the Landrum vs. Blue Ridge game at our website www.tryondailybulletin.com.