(Atlantic) On Wednesday night, a Committee approached the Atlantic School Board requesting the Trojan Relays be renamed for the legendary and now retired track and field Coach Bruce Henderson.
Coach Henderson started the Girl’s Track program in the early 1970s, and it wasn’t long after that the program became a power. As head coach, Henderson’s teams won seven State Track Championships and 22 Hawkeye Ten Conference Meet Titles during his career.
Committee member Mark Worth told the School Board Coach Henderson was in it for the right reasons.
Missy Goergen, an Atlantic Educator and former Atlantic athlete, noted Henderson’s student-athletes wanted to work hard for him.
Henderson’s resume goes even deeper than the seven state track titles and 22 Hawkeye Ten Conference Meet championships. Henderson led teams that finished state runners-up three times, third place three times, fourth four times, 18 regional titles, and 203 Invitational track meet titles.
Girls Head Track Coach Matt Mullenix says Coach Henderson started the girl’s track program in 1974 and laid the groundwork for today’s program.
Atlantic High School Athletic Director Andy Mitchell says they would like to move away from the Trojan Varsity Invite and change it to the Bruce Henderson Invite, starting this spring. Mitchell would plan a ceremony for that evening and a plaque drawn up recognizing all of Coach Henderson’s accomplishments.
Atlantic School’s Superintendent Steve Barber says he will recommend the board approve the change at the next school board meeting.
