Jack Henderson is named 1A Coach of the Year

Henderson was recently voted as the 1A Coach of the Year.

“It’s humbling whenever you are recognized by your peers for your performance, but also shines a light on the fact that we have amazing kids and amazing community support in Dufur,” Henderson said.

In his 28 years, Henderson has a record of 230-86 for a .727 winning percentage, and his seven state titles (1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2006 and 2015 is now tied for first.

Along the way, Henderson has worked with a talented roster of athletes and added some bright minds to work with on the coaching staff.

There is consistency, attention to detail and dedication to the art of teaching, as some of the strong points of a Ranger coaching staff.

“I have been fortunate to work with great people that lead to this award many times,” Henderson said. “This award is a credit to everyone that is involved in our program. I am very fortunate to have fantastic assistants in CS Little, Cameron Mulrony and Art Smith. The parent/fan support that we received this year was truly amazing.”

Known as the quarterback whisperer, Henderson has worked with many players, who needed some evening out in the execution of this important position.

This past year, Keever accounted for 2,100 yards and 52 touchdowns.

The junior has free reign to call audibles at the line of scrimmage and can suggest plays without resistance.

“He’s a great coach, knows what he’s doing and was hard on us at practice, but it was to make us better,” Keever said. “Without him pushing us, we wouldn’t had been able to accomplish what we did this year. With his coaching, next year should be another great opportunity season. We have a bunch of starters returning and I really look forward to it.”

That gives Henderson a sense of accomplishment. Much more than wins and losses – seeing players mature into students of the game through trial and error and work ethic.

“The greatest reward to me is watching kids work hard and have success during the season and reach their potential, both individually and collectively,” Henderson said. “Words can’t express how much I love working with and bonding with the kids that I am fortunate to work with at Dufur High School.”

Henderson immediately took a liking to Cleveland, feeling the sophomore transfer could develop into a solid cornerstone for the future.

Not only did Cleveland take home state recognition, but he was a first-team all-league winner for his play on the offensive line and a second team winner at defensive tackle.

“Ian was a model player for us, he did everything that we asked him to do and set a great example for his teammates,” the Ranger coach said. “Late in the season, Ian was moved to the backfield when Kurt Nuevo was injured and scored five touchdowns in the playoffs and did a great job blocking out of the backfield.”

In Dufur’s final three playoff games, the average margin of victory was 10 points, with each going down to the final possession.

This close playoff run is something he will not soon forget.

“I’m still in awe of how these kids pulled together all season long and repeatedly during the playoffs to reach the ultimate goal,” Henderson said. “It is a great story to say the least. The performance of the 2015 team rallied our community and Ranger fans statewide. The crowd present at the championship was huge, clearly the heart of this team grabbed hold of the hearts of a lot of people, whether they live in Dufur or not.”