SPRINGFIELD, Ohio-- The 2017 Ohio Heritage Award recipient is Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame co-founder Don Henderson '54. Don, along with Doc Daugherty, had the vision to gather the people and resources to start the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. Since then, the OBHOF has enshrined 215 individuals and 30 teams. Don brought his leadership as President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2005-2015. He is an integral force behind the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame's development and success.

The Ohio Heritage Award is bestowed up an individual who exemplifies the true character of the game and to honor previous inductees that have had a significant impact on Ohio after his or her basketball career has ended. Previous recipients include Oscar Robertson, Bob Knight, Katie Smith, Wayne Embry, and Jerry Lucas. Don will receive the Ohio Heritage Award at the Induction Ceremony on May 20th in Columbus.

Henderson spent 36 years as a mathematics teacher and coach in the Springfield City School District. He coached Springfield North's boys' basketball team from 1960-1989, leading the Panthers to two undefeated regular seasons, six Western Ohio League championships and four district titles. Also North's head baseball coach for 22 years, Henderson coached five all-state players, including a pair of Ohio players of the year, and he led the Panthers to a 65-5 record in one phenomenal stretch.

Henderson was an all-state high school basketball player himself at Cadiz High School, before he spent four years in the Air Force and then enrolled at Wittenberg in 1950. He earned eight letters in baseball, basketball and football for the Tigers, and he was later elected into the university's Athletics Hall of Honor in 1996.