Hennessey honors Crosswhite with signs

Hennessey legend Leon Crosswhite was honored - and surprised - recently when it was revealed the town would post highway signs declaring it “Home of Leon Crosswhite/1972 All-Big 8.” The signs will be posted at all four major entrances into Hennessey (U.S. 81 from the north and south and S.H. 51 from the east and west). After a standout career at Hennessey, Cross-white played fullback at the University of Oklahoma. During the 1970 season, his sophomore year, Crosswhite scored the first touchdown out of the newly-installed wishbone offense that went on to become a hallmark of the program. It was installed by then-offensive coordinator Barry Switzer and Cross-white scored OU’s only TD in a 41-9 loss to Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Crosswhite’s junior season was his best as he ran for 744 yards and four scores. In three seasons, Crosswhite ran for nearly 2,000 yards and 10 TDs. He was drafted 44th overall (second round) by the Detroit Lions in the 1973 NFL Draft. He was traded to New England in 1975 before retiring. A local group of friends and fans came up with the idea for the signs. Among those surprising Crosswhite, second from left, were, from left, Dave Cofer, Curtis Turner and Brent Hardin. The presentation was made at Vernost Wine Co. The signs include logos for Hennessey, OU and the Detroit Lions.