Sophomore middle-distance runner Blair Henderson came to LSU with a promising career as one of the premier distance runners in the nation.
Texas Christian University nearly lured the Lake Charles, Louisiana, native out-of-state, but Henderson said he didn’t want to run away from the stiff competition the Southeastern Conference offers. Henderson committed to LSU, and senior middle-distance runner Julian Parker said he had potential even as a freshman.
“I saw he had a lot of potential,” Parker said. “He listens to coach, and he’s a really hard worker. I see him possibly running [one minute and 45 seconds in the 800-meter race].”
But things didn’t go as Henderson planned for his freshman season.
Henderson experienced a stress reaction in his left tibia in the fall 2013, stunting his progression before the indoor season. He spent a month rehabbing in a pool and was healthy for the start of the season, but he said he didn’t improve as much as he wanted.
Despite finishing in ninth place at the 2014 SEC Indoor Championships, Henderson was left disappointed with his freshman campaign.
“My main goal was to make it to nationals in the 800,” Henderson said. “I didn’t get where I wanted because I was battling [injuries], and I didn’t want to injure myself again. We were at a stand still. It was a pretty tough season for me.”
Harping on those negative experiences, Henderson spent extra time on the track during the offseason and entered his sophomore season in the best shape of his life. But a hamstring injury hindered him during the indoor season.
For the start of the outdoor season, Henderson is finally healthy, and he is running faster than ever. He clocked the fastest time of his career in the 800-meter race at the Battle on the Bayou meet April 4 at 1:47.91.
“That could be a breakthrough race for him,” said LSU track and field coach Dennis Shaver. “I like the way he competed in that particular race. It’s a good sign.”
Henderson followed it with a seasonal-best at the Jim Click Shootout on Saturday in the 1500-meter race with a time of 3:52.48.
He has also emerged as a leader for the freshmen, passing down his experiences as a freshman to prepare them for the high-level competition they will face during the postseason.
“A lot of people don’t realize how competitive it is and how big of a deal it is to be running on this level, especially for LSU and the SEC,” Henderson said. “It’s really important for me to stress the fact that everyone needs to be focused and know what they’re getting into before the season starts. We need to be physically and mentally fit to make sure we can execute the plan that coach has put for us.”
You can reach Jacob Hamilton on Twitter @jhamilton_TDR.