Purdy High School angler signs to fish for Drury,
named to Bassmaster All-State Fishing Team
Purdy High School Senior Clay Henderson was joined at the table by his family and current and future coaches as he signed his Letter of Intent to attend Drury University and join its Bass
Fishing Team. Seated from left are Hallie Henderson (sister); Shelley Henderson (mother); Henderson; Jay Henderson (father) and Jayse Henderson (sister). Standing are Drury Bass
Fishing Coach Rick Emmitt (left) and Purdy Bass Fishing Coach Sam Harkey (right).
Fishing Team. Seated from left are Hallie Henderson (sister); Shelley Henderson (mother); Henderson; Jay Henderson (father) and Jayse Henderson (sister). Standing are Drury Bass
Fishing Coach Rick Emmitt (left) and Purdy Bass Fishing Coach Sam Harkey (right).
May 12, 2021
Purdy High School Senior Clay Henderson has signed a Letter of Intent to further his education and represent Drury University on its bass fishing team in Fall 2021.
Henderson made his commitment in a special ceremony attended by a host of family, friends and supporters, including his current bass fishing coach, Sam Harkey, and his future coach at Drury, the legendary Rick Emmitt.
Emmitt is in his sixth season as head coach of the highly successful Drury Bass Fishing team, whose accolades include a recent National Championship. The Drury Bass Fishing program
currently ranks seventh in the Nation in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year points race.
Emmitt, a Missouri Sports Hall of Fame member, noted of Henderson, “Clay is the exact kind of angler I am looking for. I am excited to see what the future holds. We are building a really strong
program at Drury. I think in the next four years with Clay our future is very bright.”
In his introductory remarks Coach Harkey applauded Henderson’s strong work ethic, which has brought great success to the Purdy team of Henderson and Mason Harkey. The team’s accomplishments in four years of competition include a Missouri Bass Nation State Championship in 2020; 11 high school tournament Top 10 finishes; two qualifications for the Bassmaster National Championship in 2018 and 2020 and selection for the Bassmaster All State Fishing Team in 2021.
Prior to signing his letter Henderson thanked his family and friends for their constant support and encouragement. He offered special gratitude to his dad, Jay Henderson, and Coach Sam Harkey.
“They’ve always done everything for us to catch fish. They’ve put their hearts and souls into it, just like we have. My success is due to them.”
Of his future as a Drury angler Henderson noted, “I really appreciate Coach Emmitt recruiting me. I am excited to get started. I am very happy and blessed to be a part of the Drury Bass Fishing team.”
Henderson, who began fishing in area creeks when he was young, said he didn’t really become interested in lake fishing until he was in 8th Grade.
“There’s definitely a technique to catching fish in the lake,” he explained. “Every tournament is different, so my fishing strategy will be different depending on the weather, the water temperature, and what lake I’m fishing on.”
Henderson says he switches up his bait while he’s fishing unless he’s really getting a lot of bites on a particular type.
“My favorite is crankbait,” he said.
When asked if he ever fishes for trout, Henderson laughed.
“I do go to Roaring River with my Uncle Jeff (Swadley) once in a while,” he said, “but mostly just to make him happy. I prefer fishing in lakes.”
With a position on the Drury bass fishing team, he will receive plenty of opportunities to do so.
Purdy High School Senior Clay Henderson has signed a Letter of Intent to further his education and represent Drury University on its bass fishing team in Fall 2021.
Henderson made his commitment in a special ceremony attended by a host of family, friends and supporters, including his current bass fishing coach, Sam Harkey, and his future coach at Drury, the legendary Rick Emmitt.
Emmitt is in his sixth season as head coach of the highly successful Drury Bass Fishing team, whose accolades include a recent National Championship. The Drury Bass Fishing program
currently ranks seventh in the Nation in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year points race.
Emmitt, a Missouri Sports Hall of Fame member, noted of Henderson, “Clay is the exact kind of angler I am looking for. I am excited to see what the future holds. We are building a really strong
program at Drury. I think in the next four years with Clay our future is very bright.”
In his introductory remarks Coach Harkey applauded Henderson’s strong work ethic, which has brought great success to the Purdy team of Henderson and Mason Harkey. The team’s accomplishments in four years of competition include a Missouri Bass Nation State Championship in 2020; 11 high school tournament Top 10 finishes; two qualifications for the Bassmaster National Championship in 2018 and 2020 and selection for the Bassmaster All State Fishing Team in 2021.
Prior to signing his letter Henderson thanked his family and friends for their constant support and encouragement. He offered special gratitude to his dad, Jay Henderson, and Coach Sam Harkey.
“They’ve always done everything for us to catch fish. They’ve put their hearts and souls into it, just like we have. My success is due to them.”
Of his future as a Drury angler Henderson noted, “I really appreciate Coach Emmitt recruiting me. I am excited to get started. I am very happy and blessed to be a part of the Drury Bass Fishing team.”
Henderson, who began fishing in area creeks when he was young, said he didn’t really become interested in lake fishing until he was in 8th Grade.
“There’s definitely a technique to catching fish in the lake,” he explained. “Every tournament is different, so my fishing strategy will be different depending on the weather, the water temperature, and what lake I’m fishing on.”
Henderson says he switches up his bait while he’s fishing unless he’s really getting a lot of bites on a particular type.
“My favorite is crankbait,” he said.
When asked if he ever fishes for trout, Henderson laughed.
“I do go to Roaring River with my Uncle Jeff (Swadley) once in a while,” he said, “but mostly just to make him happy. I prefer fishing in lakes.”
With a position on the Drury bass fishing team, he will receive plenty of opportunities to do so.
