Henry was born in Oldham, England July 26, 1948. As a youngster he came with his parents to Medford. He started Wrestling for Hedrick Junior High in the 7^th grade with his wrestling career getting off to a slow start as he lost every match during his first season. Most kids would have given up at this point, but a determined Henry did not. He reversed this record in the 8^th grade by going undefeated and winning the Southern Oregon Championship. During his 9^th grade year, he again went undefeated and won the championship for the Southern Oregon Conference.

As a sophomore at Medford Senior High, he qualified for the State Tournament as #2 man from the Southern Oregon Conference losing out to his teammate Jeff Hargrath, who won the State Heavy weight Championship that year. During his junior and senior years Henry lost one regular season match and enjoyed the distinction of winning Oregon State Heavyweight Championship both years.

Through his wrestling, Henry earned a four-year scholarship to the University of Oregon where he was the Pacific Coast runner up for two years in the heavy weight division. In 1970, he went to the quarter finals of the NCAA wrestling tournament and was two times NCAA All- American, honorable mention. After receiving his degree from the University of Oregon when finished his competitive wrestling career by competing for the Portland Multnomah Club for two years.