Charles Henderson High junior Brock Huner knew he would need a big break to be accepted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Student Leadership Conference, and if so, there was a scheduling conflict with a baseball game that same day.

He would have to choose between one or the other.

Huner received an email recently that he was only one of 16 high school students accepted to the prestigious leadership conference, and he got his break, although not exactly the way he wanted it.

One week into baseball practice for CHHS, Huner slid into a base and broke his ankle, forcing him to miss the 2018 season, but allowing him to participate in the leadership conference March 6-7 in Montgomery.

“I have a game scheduled that day, but now that I’m injured I really can’t play, so I will be able to go now,” said Huner. “It feels good being selected. I sent an application in about a month ago, and I was one of only 16 people in the state to get to go, so it is a great opportunity. This will help me to learn how to be a leader, to take ownership, and also a chance to meet new people.

“I sent the application in and I really did not think I would get a chance because there are only 16 people in the state that get to go. When I got the email I was surprised, and I said, ‘let’s do it.’ I love to meet new people and meet new friends. It is always a great experience, and you make a lot of memories that way.”

It was a huge blow to the CHHS baseball program in losing Huner for the season, as the junior was the only returning player on the roster with varsity pitching experience. A three-sport athlete, Huner has played football, basketball and baseball for the Trojans, is also involved in the football leadership council, and a team captain for off-season football.

Although Huner has not picked the college he would like to attend, he plans to study engineering, math or accounting upon graduating in the spring of 2019.

CHHS Principal Brock Kelley said Huner is the perfect example of what a great student athlete should be.

“Brock does everything right, on and off the field,” Kelley said “He’s a leader in the community, he’s a leader on the field and in the classroom, academically, and socially. If you are looking at the qualities that make up the student athlete, he has impeccable character and high integrity. He comes from a great family, so by far, he was our nomination from Charles Henderson High School and he will represent us well.”

Huner also received support on the application from CHHS teachers Shelby Tuck and Wini Dunn.

“Brock is a very honorable young man,” said Tuck, who also is the CHHS head basketball coach. “He is academically and athletically sound. He is just one of those kids that I kind of consider my son. He’s just an awesome kid. He does all the right things. He is a leader and exemplifies what a Trojan is.

“By his actions, he does not lead by what he says, he leads by example. Whatever he does say, or ask someone else to do, he has already done the same thing. He exemplifies leadership. He’s just a born leader and a good kid.”