A family affair
- Updated: June 21, 2015
[corner-ad id=1]With Henry’s induction, O’Steens become second band of brothers enshrined in Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame
Henry O’Steen (L) and brother Gary, a 2007 inductee, form the second set of brothers enshrined in the Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame.
By Al Muskewitz
East Alabama Sports Today
OXFORD — Eight years ago Henry O’Steen sat in the crowd at the Anniston Meeting Center and watched with a deep sense of family pride as his older brother Gary made his way across the stage to be inducted into the Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame.
On Saturday night the roles were reversed. Big brother was in the crowd at the Oxford Civic Center watching just as proudly as Henry joined him in the Hall.
“Ever since he went in in 2007 I’ve been hoping I could make it, too, and finally I made it,” Henry said during the reception prior to the formal program. “I didn’t think I ever would, but I did make it, and this is going to be a great night for me.
“Every time I go over to his house he’s got his plaque and his ring in the case there and that’s the first thing I see when I walk into his den. I’ve thought many many times I’ll be glad when I have one. Now, I’m going to have one.”
O’Steen was enshrined in a class that included former Wellborn greats Wayne Carden and Jerry Weems, former Cobb Avenue quarterback Howard Miller, former Jacksonville State football coach Don Salls and former Anniston Star sports editor Paul Cox.
With Henry’s inclusion, the O’Steens become the second band of brothers enshrined in the 11-year history of the Hall. The Luttrells were the first, with David entering in 2012 and Jimmy going in 2013.
“We’re both truly blessed to be in this situation,” Henry said. “When I got the call, I was in the car by myself. When they told me, I didn’t, but I felt like screaming; after we hung up, I did. I rushed home and a good friend from high school was at the house. I went in and said, ‘I made it, I made it,’ and they knew exactly what I was talking about.”
There was some sentiment the completion of the set was a bit overdue.
Gary was a four-sport star at Anniston who excelled in football as a back for both the Bulldogs and Alabama. Henry was a fearsome defensive end some in the room Saturday considered the best they’ve ever seen at his position in the county. He appeared headed for an equally storied career had multiple knee injuries not cut it short.
Gary said his brother’s induction “took a load off” both of them. They anticipated the vote every year since older brother got enshrined only to come up short until sentiment started turning their way. Now, they have a lasting memory to share.
“It’s something we’ll never forget,” Gary said.
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