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 Johnny Johnson
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Position:
Wrestling |
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Experience:
1970-1974 |
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Year Inducted:
1983 |
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One of NCAA Championships "unforgettables" with famous signature "supplay" move. Remembered by Wrestling International Newsmagazine for spectacular supplay and 190-pound NCAA title match vs. No. 1 seed Greg Strobel of Oregon State (1973). Ranked No. 7 on WIN's all-time list of NCAA finales as Strobel electrified crowd by fighting off his back and 5-0 deficit after "incredible supplay" in first period by Johnson for 10-7 triumph (Strobel won the NCAA Outstanding Wrestler Award). Finished as NCAA runner-up, earned Division I All-America status, and completed junior year with 28-2-0 won-lost-draw record for Hall of Fame coach Don Flavin at 190 (1972-73). Defeated Tampa's Fletcher Carr, 12-3, in quarterfinals and pinned Iowa State's Al Nacin, 0:58, in semis to reach NCAA title match vs. Strobel. Captured NCAA Eastern Regional and U. S. Coast Guard Tournament titles at 190 as junior. Recorded 54-15-0 career ledger at NIU and battled rheumatoid arthritis in both ankles. Captured first U. S. Coast Guard crown at 190 and went 8-2 as soph (1971-72). Placed third at heavyweight in Illinois Intercollegiate as senior (1973-74). Selected team co-MVP (1972-73) and co-captain (1973-74). Voted NIU Athlete of Year by Northern Star student newspaper and outpolled future HOFers?peers Larry Clark, Mark Kellar, Billy Harris, Tim Gullikson, and Jim Bradley (1972-73). Combined with younger brother Larry for 19 team points and 13th-place at NCAA (1973). Two-sport All-Stater (football & wrestling) at North Chicago High.
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