He had the distinction of playing on Akron West High's 1932 Class A state championship basketball team and The University of Akron's 1934 Ohio Conference title cage squad. However, his greatest achievements came on the gridiron at Akron U where he won three varsity letters in both football and basketball. For example, his first placekick for a field goal as a collegian beat Kent State, 3-0. Weighing 170 pounds, Hensal was a hard nose, tenacious tackler. In 1934, his aggressiveness won him berths on both the All-Ohio Conference and All-Ohio dream teams. The following year he was named captain of the All-Ohio eleven.