Charles Henderson High School honored spring athletes during a banquet on Tuesday evening at the Troy Recreation Center.

“Its all about recognition,” said Charles Henderson Athletic Director and head football coach Brad McCoy. “They are probably told each and every day that they’re loved and they’re cared about, but there are a lot of young men and women that don’t get to hear that.

“We want to make sure at the end of the school year, or whenever the time is suitable, that we tell them thank you for all of your effort and time you spent in the weight room, on the field and in meetings. It means a lot to be able to say that and I hope it makes them feel good.”

Eight teams were honored during the ceremony: tennis, track and field, archery, baseball, softball, golf and the boy’s and girls soccer teams.

After each player was announced to the crowd, each member of the team was awarded with a certificate of participation with that team. Each team also had the opportunity to recognize players who lettered in that particular sport during the season. In all there were 44 athletes that lettered for the first time. Players that were recognized were given a letterman’s jacket, offered to them by the Charles Henderson Booster Club.

“It’s neat,” McCoy said. “You don’t go to a lot of school systems where the booster clubs and athletic foundations put up the cost for those jackets. A lot of athletes probably wouldn’t be able to afford those jackets. They take the burden of the families and it’s just a great way award these athletes.”

Led by the baseball team that advanced to the second round of the state playoffs, Charles Henderson saw a lot of achievement and growth in 2016.

The golf team advanced to the sub-state tournament, which they hosted, and the archery program advanced to the national championships in Louisville Kentucky. It’s progress like this that has McCoy excited for the future of Trojans athletics.

“When you look at the coaching staff it starts with excitement and motivation,” McCoy said. “All these coaches that are on board right now are all excited about what they do and the job they have and the kids they have on their teams. I think that plays a huge part.

“I think the direction is straight up. We are all very excited about where Charles Henderson is going and all these kids have bought into that.”

At the end of the evening coach McCoy was able to address the seniors who have played in their last games and matches for Charles Henderson High School.

“I want them to know how much we appreciate them and how much support they have in the City of Troy, their coaching staff and their school system,” McCoy said.