CullmanTimes.com, Cullman, Alabama

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August 16, 2007

Henderson ready to put hard work to use at Meek

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ARLEY — Richie Henderson knows what it feels like to watch teammates play from the sidelines.

And after being forced to sit out for his junior football season at Meek High last year, Henderson wanted to make sure he was ready for his comeback.

Henderson transferred to Meek from Addison High for his junior year in school, but was not eligible to play football last season. But instead of sitting back and taking it easy for a year, he decided to make the most of his time and hit the weights.

“Not being able to play makes you think,” Henderson said. “It made me think about what I would be able to do, and what I needed to do to make it happen. I knew I would only have one year of football left and I needed to make the best of it. That’s why I made sure I was up here everyday in the summer working out.”

Before Meek let out for summer vacation, Henderson weighed in at 215 pounds. But after taking part in a vigorous offseason strength and conditioning program, the senior tight end dropped his weight to 175 pounds.

But even though Henderson is now 40 pounds lighter, he has gotten bigger by adding muscle mass. And that’s something Henderson likes to see.

“I may have lost weight, but I’m in better shape,” Henderson said. “After this summer, my arms and chest are cut and I feel good. When I look in the mirror I can see a big difference. I feel better and I’m really glad to be back on the football field. I know that being in better shape will help me out (on the field).”

Henderson may have had to miss his junior season at Meek, but the tight end still knows the importance of senior leadership and wanted to be a part of it. So along with the Tigers’ other five seniors, Henderson has tried to be a leader and set a good example for the underclassmen to follow.

“That’s just something seniors have to do,” Henderson said. “I’ve tried to be vocal and set good examples, like working hard in the offseason. You want to do that because that’s something you want the younger guys to carry on. It’s important to the program, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Henderson says he doesn’t have any personal goals for himself this season, but he does have some goals in mind for the team. And judging from what he’s seen so far, he believes the Tigers should be able to make those goals become a reality.

“We’ve got a group of guys that are committed to making Meek a better football team,” Henderson said. “No one can do this alone, it takes a team. And our team is growing stronger every day we go out and practice in this heat. We’re going to keep on growing stronger, and we should be ready when the season starts.”

Meek opens the regular season at Cold Springs on August 31. The Tigers will travel to Double Springs next Friday for a jamboree game against Winston County.

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