Milton Henry looks back on coaching career ahead of EP Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony

EL PASO, Texas - For former high school football coach, Milton Henry, it was never about the wins and losses.

The most important thing was making an impact in the lives of his players and students.

Henry will finally be honored at the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 30.

He is a part of the Class of 2020, a class that wasn't able to have an induction ceremony last year due to Covid-19.

For Henry, the wait was well worth it.

"That's a crowd to be included with, and so I was very flattered with that," Henry said.

Henry, an El Paso native, began coaching high school football in 1971 at Parkland High School.

From there he made stops at Irvin, Burges, before then getting the head coaching job at Franklin High School in 1993, the year the school opened.

Henry led the Cougars to three district championships, but winning was never the ultimate goal.

"There are obviously big games that are very important and that you feel really good about," Henry said. "But I think the fact that kids hold you to a high esteem, and are happy with you is more important than your win and loss record."

Henry final season in 1999 was one to remember.

The Cougars not only went undefeated in district play, they didn't allow a single point.

Franklin's defense, then known as the "Black Swarm," shutout all district opponents, while Franklin's offense put up an impressive 214 points.

Henry won't be the only Franklin Cougar getting into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2020, so too is one of his former assistant coaches, Tony Grijalva.

Grijalva took over the program when Henry retired after the 1999 season.

"That's amazing isn't it. How do you get two Franklin coaches in at the same time?" Henry asked. "It says a great deal for the Franklin program and the kids who play there. When we both got in I felt really good, I'm really happy for him (Grijalva)."

Henry isn't one for accolades, but without question his commitment to his players and students is worthy of recognition.

"You look at the people in the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame, and they are classic coaches and to be in the same company with them is an amazing feeling, and I never really expected that to happen," Henry said.

The El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be live streamed at kvia.com on June 30.