Soddy-Daisy High School Athletic Director Steve Henry poses with a plaque awarded to him in honor of the SDHS wrestling building being renamed the Steve Henry Athletic Facility.The Soddy-Daisy wrestling facility has a new name, and the man it was named in honor of is more than a little humble about it.
“I think this is just [SDHS Principal Danny] Gilbert’s way of trying to get to me,” laughed Soddy-Daisy Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Steve Henry.
That was the first thing Henry said when asked about the honor of having the facility renamed the Steve Henry Athletic Facility, after his more than 30 years of service to the school. Henry said he wasn’t expecting anything like this, and that the journey that led to the honor wasn’t one he accomplished alone.
“When I was young, I was just trying to prove myself, and a whole lot of people helped me along my way,” he said. “It’s what’s unique about wrestling, I think. There’s a camaraderie there; the other coaches are trying to help you even though you’re competing.”
Henry specifically cited Luke Worsham, former head coach for Baylor, and Al Miller, longtime head coach from Cleveland, as major influences that helped his growth as Soddy-Daisy’s coach.
“There was a whole fraternity of coaches that helped me get whatever success I ever got,” he added.
Henry has coached numerous outstanding wrestlers throughout his storied career, including four-time state champion Cam Lewis, current Cleveland wrestling coach and two-time Southern Conference champion Jake Yost and four-time NCAA champion and NCAA Division II Coach of the Year Kevin Ward, the head wrestling coach at West Point.
He said he is grateful to every player he’s mentored, as well as their parents.
“I’ve had people call and congratulate me [on the facility renaming], but I’ve just tried to keep it on the low. I want it to be less about me and more about the people that have helped me along the way,” he said. “So many were instrumental in getting us where we needed to be.”
Henry said he is especially grateful to the Soddy-Daisy community, explaining that they are “appreciative of people who come in and work hard.” He gave special credit to the parents who spent four days repainting and improving the facility, saying that if it wasn’t for their involvement, it wouldn’t look half as good as it does now.
Henry has always put his program and athletes first, even when there were issues outside of his control.
“The ones that come to mind are when I had kids stay with me temporarily because of issues at home,” he said. “That kind of stuff stands out. You just try to be a mentor to these boys and do the best you can.”
With Soddy-Daisy deep in the throes of wrestling season, Henry said he’s just proud to have been a part of the school.
“I believe we’re the best school in town, and we’re going to be even better,” he said.
Email Shane Foley at sfoley@timesfreepress.com.