The athletes that provided entertainment on the fields and courts during the past school year were honored Monday night.
Famed coach Ken Heupel was the guest speaker for the second annual Henryetta All-Sports banquet held at the high school cafeteria.
During the evening, HHS senior Alan Hargis received the Brandon Burlesworth Character Award. It is named for Burleson who played football at the University of Arkanasas in 1994 and had been drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. He died in a tragic auto accident within days of the draft announcement.
Hargis has played football, baseball and basketball for the Knights this past season.
During his keynote address, Heupel congratulated all the athletes at the dinner and told them sports, "is the greatest venue in the world."
He went on to say life is, "pretty simple," and outlined four principles to be a great leader.
He explained the first is discipline and comes with two parts. The former collegiate coach urged the students to, "find a purpose," and have courage.
Following that was respect. "Look people in the eye. Sit up straight. It al deals with mannerisms. If you act real, talk real and be real, you have a chance for respect. If you want respect, you have to give respect."
He stressed the third principle, trust. "It deals with loyalty. Can you trust someone with no respect or discipline?"
Finally, he added hard work as the fourth principle. "How can you work hard for some one who doesn't have discipline or respect?"
He closed by telling everyone, "You will determine if you will be great."
During the evening, coaches from all the athletic programs recognized the participants and said they were looking ahead to the next season.
