Copy of Minot Daily News Story (link)

Chauncy Hendershot is still playing in the back yard

By MICHAEL LINNELL, Sports Editor mlinnell@minotdailynews.com

The cliche is when a local star decides to play at the local college, he is “playing in his back yard.”

For Minot native Chauncy Hendershot, that is almost the truth.

“Literally, in my back yard. I grew up on seventh street,” Hendershot said referring to the street that runs parallel to Herb Parker Stadium's west end zone in northwest Minot. “I can remember my grandpa taking us to games and we could just walk across the street.”

After those years of going to Minot State University football games, Hendershot got the chance to play on that field, first starring for Bishop Ryan High School and now as a senior wide receiver for the Beavers.

“You know, it has been great playing here,” he said. “I grew up watching games here and I am glad to have the opportunity to play at Herb Parker.”

Hendershot originally had his mind made up that he would not attend Minot State, instead, he said, he wanted to get out of the area to explore other opportunities and meet other people. However, his experience at Minot State has afforded him those same attributes.

“I thought I needed to get away to meet other people and have different experiences, but I have had those right here,” he said. “I think my roommates have been from California, Washington and Serbia, so it is interesting that I have had that at MSU.”

While he has enjoyed his time at MSU, there have also been some frustrating times, especially on the field. Hendershot has suffered a number of injuries that have limited him on the field. His perseverance — and versatility — has kept him in the lineup throughout much of his career. Hendershot, who was recruited to play quarterback, has spent time at the QB position, has been the team's holder on field goals and extra points and now has settled into the role as wide receiver.

“Chauncy has done everything he can to make sure he is on the field,” MSU head coach Paul Rudolph said. “He pretty much does everything we ask of him — and he does it with great effort.”

Rudolph has been pleased with Hendershot's progression over the past couple of weeks. Ironically, it has been his play after suffering a dislocated shoulder in a game at South Dakota Mines that has been especially pleasing.

“He injures his shoulder and the next week he's back in the lineup,” Rudolph said. “There is no doubt he is a tough guy. You always have room in you lineup for guys like him.

“He will be counted on even more as we head down the stretch. We will need a guy who can go over the middle and catch big passes and Chauncy has shown that he can do that. He is the one guy that can play all three (receiver) spots and that is a credit to how smart he is.”

Hendershot said the shoulder injury is still a concern, but has learned to live with it. He has injured the should six times counting the latest in Rapid City and knows pretty much when it is going to happen.

“The people at the ER are sympathetic until I have to tell them that it is No. 6,” he said. “I try not to let it affect me and keep it out of my head most of the time. But I know if I fall a certain way, it is going to come out and just try to be careful. It is a little painful at times, but not too bad.”

So what keeps him playing through pain? It is actually quite simple.

“I love to play football and want to be on the field any way I can,” he said. “This is my last year and I want to make the best of it.”

Being his senior season, Hendershot was a little worried about learning a new system with new coaches as Rudolph took over in January. But the transition has been smooth for both him and the rest of the team.

“It is great. Yeah, you worry a little about the system and what changes are going to be made, but coach has done a great job,” he said. “There is a different atmosphere around here and the changes have been positive. There is a boost of energy in the program.”

While Hendershot has settled in at the receiver position, he still has one blemish on his resume. He has thrown only one pass at MSU — an interception during a botched extra point his first year.

“One pick,” he said. “That's it. I don't bother coach too much about (getting another chance to throw). I don't know if I have the arm anymore.

“It isn't too big of a deal, I like playing the receiver position now. I have never been too stubborn about my position. Like I said, I just like playing football and whatever helps the team.”