HOLMES TOWNSHIP — He spent a lifetime supporting Wynford athletics in general and Royals’ basketball especially.
Wednesday night, the Wynford community recognized the commitment of the late Dr. Michael Johnson by naming their year-old gymnasium after one of the athletic program’s most ardent supporters.
In an almost half hour ceremony between the junior varsity and varsity games of the Old Fort-Wynford season opener, the new facility was christened Dr. Michael A. Johnson Gymnasium.
“It was really special for all of us,” Chris Johnson, Dr. Mike’s son, said representing the entire Johnson family. “Dad loved the Royals, he loved being at their games. To have the gym named after him is just special to all of us.”
Dr. Johnson was not just a loyal fan. He was the team doctor for all sports, and he ran the clock at basketball games for over 30 years. He touched the lives of players, coaches, administrators, and even fans for decades.
In addition to a 20-minute video of tributes from his colleagues — including former long-time basketball coach, Rob Sheldon — Chris spoke to the crowd on behalf of his father, emotionally thanking them for the honor of having his dad’s name attached to the gym.
“I guarantee you, he would not want this,” Chris Johnson said. “He was a humble man. He would not have wanted to be the one over there talking. But I was happy to do it for him.”
Dr. Johnson was not the only candidate considered for the honor. There were several other names on the list, according to his son-in-law and vice president of the school board.
After he died, there was some scuttlebutt about naming the gym,” Crall said. “That was even before we built the building. Rhonda Rowland took on that task. She had a committee, and they had a bunch of names that were nominated.
“They went through I don’t know how many meetings — three of four,” Crall continued. “His name came up and from what I understand, it was unanimous. That’s kind of how it happened. Rhonda deserves the credit for driving that.”
Ironically, Dr. Johnson was never an athlete himself. He instead used his spare time helping on the family farm and earning money to go to college.
“He loved sports, but he never played them,” Chris Johnson said. “He gave us (his children) the opportunity we wanted, but he never played.”
While his blood was Royal blue, Dr. Johnson assisted the other schools in the community as well, offering sports physicals and other medical support throughout Crawford County. And his support went beyond his medical practice.
“We’re lucky in the community we have that everyone does kind of follow each other, support each other,” Chris Johnson said. “I can’t tell you how many tournaments we’ve followed of other schools when they keep playing.”
After the ceremony, likely no one doubted that the right person had been chosen to have his name on the gymnasium — even those from outside the Wynford community.
“You saw on the video tonight what he meant to the community,” Crall said. “So, absolutely.”