CHADRON - About 24 hours after winning his second consecutive Harlon Hill Trophy, Chadron State senior running back Danny Woodhead was the guest of honor at a reception in his honor at the Student Center at CSC on Saturday night.
Arranged by college president Janie Park and Eagles Booster Club president Randy Bauer, the reception drew about 150 appreciative fans. A highlight was Park's announcement that Woodhead's No. 3 jersey will be retired. He's the first CSC athlete, male or female, to have their number retired.
After a prayer of thanksgiving delivered by Dick Myers, Bauer opened the program by noting that Woodhead's career at Chadron State was more than anyone could have imagined, even though
he was recognized as one of Nebraska's outstanding athletes while attending North Platte High School.
"It's been such a privilege to watch you. It's been so exciting. Thank you, Danny," Bauer said.
Park said Woodhead truly put Chadron State on the map this year. She said she had received e-mails and phone calls "from New Zealand to New York" on Woodhead's accomplishments.
"You're a legend at CSC and far beyond," Park said. "You helped make this college special. "
The president read a proclamation from the Nebraska State College System commending Woodhead. Chadron mayor Donnie Grantham read a similar proclamation from the city.
Greeted at the edge of the city by units from the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department and given an escort to the college, Woodhead told CSC sports information director Alex Helmbrecht, who accompanied him to Florence, Ala., for the awards ceremony, "I can't believe this town would do something like this for me."
During his brief remarks at the reception, Woodhead thanked his coaches and teammates. He noted that the defense consistently got the ball back so he and his offensive mates could roll up the yards and the points. He told head coach Bill O'Boyle, "We had a good four years together."
"I won the Harlon Hill Trophy because we had a good team," he said. "I can't believe this has happened to me. My time here has been special."
It was announced during the reception that Woodhead has been selected to play in the Hula Bowl, a major all-star game, in Honolulu on Jan. 12.
