KAITLYN UNLAND | Special to Lindenlink

The fourth time turned out to be a charm for junior tight end Erik Henneman, who scored a record-breaking first season at Lindenwood University.

His journey to Lindenwood wasn’t an easy one. After graduating high school in 2011, Henneman chose to attend Louisiana College, but after two weeks, he decided it wasn’t for him.

It turned out to be the first of three schools that he would attend before calling Lindenwood home. Henneman also attended Santa Monica Community College and El Camino Community College.

The 2018 football season was Henneman’s first year as a Lion. He didn’t miss a beat, finishing the season with 639 reception yards and nine touchdowns. This landed him as the Lions’ leading receiver, even from a tight end position.

Henneman’s season highlight came on Sept. 8 at Missouri Southern when he had four touchdowns. This was also a school record.

Henneman was named a First-Team all MIAA selection, one of only two Lions represented on the first team.

He also spent the season as a captain. Captains for the football team are picked by the players and coaches alike, meaning he was respected by both.

“He’s the leader of this team,” said Najee Jackson, senior wide receiver. “He’s the new face of this team, and selecting him as a captain has been great for us.”

Henneman credits his upbringing and his home life for his work ethic.

He recalled having to be the man of the house, because he spent most of his life being raised by his single mother. Henneman also heavily credits his friend group for always keeping him on the right path.

“My group of friends really holds each other to a certain standard because everyone has been really successful on their own,” he said.

Henneman said most of his friends grew up with the same type of home life, having to deal with the same things. Because of this, they put certain expectations on each other, and Henneman’s expectations for himself are the highest.

“I want to make money playing football before hanging up my cleats,” he said.