The sport of wrestling began at Moorhead State College in 1952. Hendrickson joined the program in 1953, he lettered his first year. That early beginning became a trademark for Hendrickson as he was responsible for starting several high school programs. He started the program at Herman High School and helped Hancock High School coach, Ron Kragness, get wrestling started at Hancock. His efforts inspired other schools to start programs as well. After four years at Herman High School, Hendrickson moved on to Appleton High School. He began officiating in 1965. The following year he took the coaching position at Morris High School, remaining there until retirement in 1982, 25 years later. After retirement he volunteered his time as a coaching assistant at the University of Minnesota-Morris for two years and later volunteered at Morris High School for several years. His career coaching record stood at 209-90-2 with 26 State Qualifiers and 8 State place winners. Roger Bonk(1962), Dan Amborn (1969), and Mike Hendrickson were State runner-ups. Tom Beyer, a former state placer (4th place in 1976) went on to become a 4-time All American and National Champion while wrestling at the University of Minnesota-Morris, as did Al's son, Mike, who became an All-American at UMM. Henderickson's team captured District titles in District 13 in 1965, District 21 in 1967, 1977, 1978, 1979 and won a Region title in 1968. His teams were Region runner-ups in 1967, 1978, and 1979. West Central Conference titles were won in 1967, 1968, 1979, and 1980. Al takes pride in hosting the first 'free' West Central Area Wrestling Camp at Morris High School. He has also been a clinician for Spencer Yohe's Greg Schwartz Memorial Wrestling Camp. Hendrickson is a charter member of the Dave Bartelma Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1973, He was also presented the Outstanding Contributor Award at the 1973 Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament for his contributions to the state tourney. He has also received the NWCA distinguished 25 year service award. Great Falls, Montana athletic director, Jim Grant, probably sums up the kind of person and coach Al Hendrickson was when he states: "Al Hendrickson is a first class guy. He is a solid citizen whose word if his bond. He is a highly principled, trustworthy man of integrity. He is honest, reliable, and caring. He has lived all facets of his life in exemplary fashion. He has been a great husband, father, coach/leader, friend and citizen. He is a fine role model for young people." Al Hendrickson has served Minnesota high school wrestling well. He was a pioneer for several high school programs in the state. He served the wrestling community by his contributing efforts to making the high school state tournament better. He was a successful coach who motivated young men to success on and off the mats. He is one of Minnesota's great educator's whose efforts as a coach went the extra mile to motivate young men to accomplish great feats.