Henson Breakfast returns with paralympic long jumper Trenten Merrill

 After a two-year hiatus, the Henson family welcomes the community to join them in supporting Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces for the 14^th Annual Lou & Mary Henson Community Breakfast, featuring Two-time Paralympian Trenten Merrill, Thursday, May 19 at 7 a.m. at New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.  

            The popular event has brought prominent keynote speakers to Las Cruces in support of the Boys & Girls Club since 2009. This year is no exception, with Merrill being the first ever Paralympian to join the list of past speakers that include NBA greats, Olympic Champions, NFL Hall of Famers, and more. A Boys & Girls Club alumni himself, Merrill spent his younger days attending what was then the Boys & Girls Club of San Juan Capistrano, Calif.  

            At the age of 14, Merrill and his best friend were struck by a car while crossing the street on their dirt bike. As a result, his right foot was crushed and later had to be amputated, but his dreams of becoming a professional athlete never stopped. He went on to play on his high school volleyball and wrestling teams, went back to racing motocross, and began training in MMA.

            While attending Saddleback Community College, his prosthetist encouraged him to attend a running clinic. It was there that Merrill learned of the Paralympics and set his eyes on competing at the Paralympic Games. After participating on the track and field teams at Saddleback College and Azusa Pacific University, he made his Team USA debut at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships. Since then, Merrill has competed in the Paralympics in 2016 and 2020, and is currently the American record holder in long jump for his classification. 

            Outside of track and field, Merrill is a public speaker and uses his experience as a Paralympic Long Jumper to help inspire others to pursue their goals and dreams. He also has a career in modeling, and is an investor and entrepreneur managing LLC’s in athletics, real-estate, stocks and crypto-currency. He spends his free time off-roading, camping, and spending time with his German Shepard.

Over the years, the Henson Breakfast has become the signature event for the Boys & Girls Club and the prime opportunity for community giving, with ongoing support from the Henson family. “It’s bittersweet to bring back this event without Coach Henson in the room, but we are so grateful to the Henson family for their continued support, and happy that we can continue honoring Coach Henson’s Legacy through this event,” said Ashley Echavarria, CEO. “Hearing from a Boys & Girls Club alumni who persevered in the toughest of situations is always a great reminder that the work we do at our Club each day can result in greatness for every young person we serve. Trenten is living proof of that and we are thrilled to welcome him to Las Cruces."   

Sponsorships for the breakfast event are available and limited individual reservations may be made with a donation. All sponsors are invited to attend an exclusive VIP Reception the night before with Merrill and the Henson family. To become a sponsor, please call the Club at (575) 526-1519 or visit www.bgclascruces.org for more information. 

About the Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces

The Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces has been providing services to youth in Las Cruces since 1963. The Club provides daily programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career enhancement, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation. Serving youth ages 5-18, the Club provides a safe environment for youth to learn and grow; ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals; life-enhancing programs and character development experiences; and hope and opportunity.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club, please call (575) 526-1519 or visit www.bgclasruces.org.