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COLUMN BY MATT PRANGER |
Previous columnsList of columns written by Matt Pranger | |
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Johnsons will be missed
posted 06/17/03
One, or possibly two, of the new recruits will have, as Friday Harbor tennis coach Dick Barnes said, "Some big shoes to fill. " Replacing Cal Johnson -- the San Juan Island School District's activities director and special education coordinator the past eight years -- will be akin to finding a new third baseman for Cal Ripken Jr. No one will be as reliable as Ripken and no one will fill Mr. Johnson's role. The school district will hire some new people to perform Mr. Johnson's duties, but they won't replace him. It's not possible. In nearly two decades of covering, participating or observing high school activities, I've dealt with several A.D.s. I've seen the incompetent, lazy, arrogant, single-minded, average and even the downright bone-headed work as activities directors. And I've witnessed the best of the best. If there was a state championship for A.D.s, Mr. Johnson would be the annual title-holder. He adeptly scheduled practices, games, ferry transportation, hotels, etc. for 14 teams a year. Events actually begin on time. (This took some getting used to because prior to Mr. Johnson's tenure games began according to Island Time.) As Barnes noted: "Cal brought order to chaos. " Friday Harbor's facilities and equipment also dramatically improved under Johnson's guidance. Mr. Johnson was instrumental in the lighting of the main high school field. He worked many unpaid hours helping with the installation, digging holes along with other volunteers. He also led the push for a new, all-weather track. Upgrades to the long-neglected softball fields came under his direction. Wolverine teams, ones that once competed in ragtag uniforms, took the field looking as smart as any competitor. Mr. Johnson performed his management duties with unequaled skill. He found the right person for the right position. He held coaches to high standards. It's no surprise the Friday Harbor teams saw some of their best successes during Mr. Johnson's tenure: baseball and softball state runners-up; league and regional wrestling champions; individual track state champions; plus many other achievements. Friday Harbor teams also shined academically, earning high and even the highest Washington Interscholastic Activities Association honor. Mr. Johnson went by the rulebook. To some athletes', coaches' and parents' dismay, he consistently and fairly meted out penalties for athletic code violations. He did not play favorites. He promoted sportsmanship. Taking care of the activities director duties would keep most people busy more than full-time. Johnson performed his special education coordinator tasks with unmatched ability and tact. Behind the scenes he championed the needs of those who couldn't fend for themselves. Most students are unaware of the Johnson's exceptional abilities. It likely will take a few years -- probably when their sons and daughters are competing in sports or playing in a the school band or acting in the school play -- for them to appreciate what one man could do for a school. They will reflect, and respect what Mr. Johnson achieved. Mr. Johnson had some help, though. His wife Cathy provided invaluable support to the school and the local community. She was instrumental in the Purple and Gold booster club, the Kiwanis and the Celebrity Golf Classic. The Johnsons have made the greatest, most positive, far-reaching impact on this community of any couple I've known in my dozen years here. Thanks Cathy and Cal. Your humble, professional, classy, caring, unselfish, tireless and generous contributions have raised our island and its children to a new playing level. Happy trails. |
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