By LORAN POSEY – Web Writer
Fundraising efforts to benefit the surgery recovery of retired head football coach Billy Henderson have led to the creation of the It Can Be Done Foundation.
When Billy Henderson was hired as head football coach at Clarke Central High School in 1972, he had his work cut out for him. Athens High School and Burney-Harris High School consolidated in 1970 as result of integration in Georgia and for the first several years, racial tension filled the halls of the new CCHS. However, Henderson used athletics as a tool to bring students together.
Henderson holds the hand of his daughter, Carol Brooks, on April 22 in the lobby of the Athens YMCA. “He’s made tremendous progress since we’ve brought him home,” Brooks said. “He’s done unbelievably well.”
’s done, not just for Clarke Central, but for this community,” Athletic Director Dr. Jon Ward said. “When he came here in the early ‘70s, he really molded a group of guys together when integration was taking place. Their success rippled throughout the community and did a lot to bring it together.”
Henderson says he simply acted in a way that reflected the teaching of his mother and tried to use that approach to solve problems.
“I treated people like my mother taught me to treat people,” Henderson said. “Love everyone for who they are and treat them like you would want to be treated.”
During his 23-year tenure at CCHS, Henderson won three football state championships, three baseball state championships and a swimming state championship, while serving as Athletic Director.
“The reason (Henderson was so successful) was because of how he loved and cared (about) and worked his players,” Class of 1998 graduate John Alexander said. “He really held the school together.”
It has been 18 years since Henderson last coached at CCHS, but the legacy he established continues to influence student-athletes and the Athens community. Henderson, who spent his life giving to his community, is feeling the generosity of a community that is eager to give back. On Feb. 28, Henderson underwent his fifth back surgery, which required an expensive recovery and rehabilitation process.
“He had spinal stenosis. He had a fall about six years ago where his lower vertebrae, the L5 and the L4, (were injured), so the doctor opened up the canal so the nerve could breathe and cleaned out all the arthritis,” Carol Brooks, Henderson’s daughter, said. “(He hasn’t) been able to bear weight on both of his legs for years, so the surgery was a success. He can bear weight now (and) he has more balance. Everything’s improved.”
Because of the overwhelming cost of the medical bills associated with Henderson’s surgery, a group of former players banded together and started a campaign to raise money to help Henderson, who will turn 85 in June.
“There was a group of former players that felt like it was an opportune time to try to give back to Coach Henderson,” Ward said. “They’re really targeting former players and their goal was to raise $23,000, a thousand for each year Coach Henderson was here.”
Former players involved in the fundraising process included Alexander, Class of 1982 graduate Daniel Dooley, Class of 1986 graduate Derek Dooley, Class of 1985 graduate Chris Morocco, Class of 1985 graduate Brack Rowe and Class of 1986 graduate Randy Williams.
“What he did for the community is why there are so many people interested in helping him right now, from the race integration to teaching people how to become winners in life,” Alexander said. “He taught me so many things in life, simple things that stand with me, like learning to push yourself when times get tough in your marriage, at your job, in life. You don’t quit.”
As donations continue to pour in from those whose lives have been touched by Henderson, he is proud of those who have helped organize the fundraiser.
“The significant thing about those (involved) is the fact that they were outstanding leaders in school and now they’re adults becoming great leaders,” Henderson said. “You can rest assured that this is money well-spent and it will go towards improving the life of some person. (The funds raised were) a God-sent present.”
Shortly after Henderson’s surgery, Class of 1984 graduate Ginger Hurst set up an online donation website and a huge response from the CCHS and Athens community was seen.
“Within 24 hours, (the website) was up and running and we had over $15,000,” Hurst said. “It was insane.”
