The Lake Travis High School varsity football team has announced the cancellation of its season opener following the tragic death of senior player Odin Hensley. The team was scheduled to compete against Dripping Springs, but the head coach, Hank Carter, prioritized the emotional and mental well-being of his players and staff in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
As stated by Coach Carter, the focus has been on supporting the players, staff, and the broader community during this challenging time. The team will now begin its season on September 4 against Weiss High School in Pflugerville.
In a message addressed to football parents and families, the coaching staff expressed gratitude for the community’s unwavering support and acknowledged the difficulty of the past weeks. They affirmed that the decision to cancel the game was made with careful consideration for the safety and mental health of everyone involved.
While the varsity match against Dripping Springs has been called off, there remains a possibility for the Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams to engage in a controlled scrimmage with Dripping Springs, although a final decision on that is still pending.
Odin Hensley tragically passed away after experiencing a medical emergency during practice last week, which was later determined to be cardiac arrest. Coach Carter described Hensley as an exceptional young man, noting his strength and character as a standout wrestler and offensive lineman, whose kindness touched many.
The cause of Hensley’s cardiac arrest has not yet been disclosed, leaving the community in mourning and shock.
In support of Hensley’s family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist with expenses.
