Donald (deceased) & Ronald* Henderson

The most unique Sports Hall of Fame induction scenario is one of joy more than of sorrow. For this is the tale of twin boys who were excellent and diverse athletes, well-liked and well-respected by peers and classmates alike.

Ron & Don Henderson were identical twins, though the record will state Don was five minutes older and a half-inch taller than Ron. Ron claims his brother was the better athlete yet they were almost equal during their days at Sidney. In organized youth sports there was Little League and the Moose All-Star baseball teams. Unorganized sports included basketball and handball at the Moose as well as swimming and - their specialty - diving from the springboard at the pool.

Upon entering junior high, football was their main school sport. By high school football and baseball were their team sports while gymnastics and track & field were done as individuals.

Ronnie contends that his twin was "in most cases the better athlete". Statistics are sparse, however during their two years of varsity football, Don (as wide receiver) set a then school record with 19 pass receptions and 331 yards. He was team MVP his senior season.

Gymnastics provided both Hendersons a chance to build on their earlier skills in diving. Each earned two letters. Don's best events were horizontal and high bars while Ron's were the rings and floor exercises, he was team MVP (Note: Ron impressed his kids when at age 50 he successfully executed a flawless back flip.)

By their sophomore year, it became known that Don displayed symptoms of leukemia, and a battle of another kind ensued. The twins continued competing though in between school, practices and games, Ron took his brother to Cooperstown for cobalt injections.

Soon enough Donnie's prognosis showed a limited timeline yet sports provided a stronger defense. During the spring of 1967, Athletic Director Fran Redmond sought special compensation for the twins to compete in both baseball and track. Section 4 approved the move and wow, were the boys in a groove that spring!

Often, they'd wear track uniforms underneath baseball uniforms for same day action, Both boys cleared 12' 9" in the pole vault (Ron, at 13 feet, just missed the state qualifier). Don's forte was the triple jump and high jump and both boys were part of a winning mile relay foursome. In storybook fashion, They saved their best for last on the baseball diamon

Sidney won the Sus title that spring. In the championship game versus Chenango Forks, played at Greene, the Warriors trailed by 1, Ron singled a teammate to 3rd then scored the winning run on a 420 foot blast by, yep, Don. The obvious home run was ruled a double. Both Hendersons were named to the Central NY All-Star team. Better still, both earned the Coaches Award at the annual Sidney Sports Banquet.

The twins set off for SUNY-Cobleskill but by Christmas Day, Don had passed. Ron credits classmate Mark Payne who stayed with him and helped for the days and weeks afterward. Fortunately, Ron soon met his eventual partner for life Richelene "Ricky" Judd. Together they built a family dynamc that included sports. Ron's professional career between Sidney (Bendix) and South Bend, IN, was equally as impressive, Through it all, Ron contends that in everything he's done, "I know Donnie was always watching out for me."

Congratulations to twins Ron & Don Henderson on your Hall of Fame induction