Johnson Retires As Head Football Coach
Samm Sack
Staff Writer
Head football coach Mike Johnson gathered up his players to announce his retirement Tuesday, Nov. 12, saying that he wanted more quality time with his family.
After leading the Waverly High School football team through many triumphs and learning from losses for 14 years, Johnson is hanging up his metaphoric cleats once and for all.
“My biggest reasons for retiring were just other interests,” Johnson said. “I’ve been a coach for 35 years and I’m just trying to see what else is out there. It’s a hard feeling to retire, because I have been doing it for so long. I don’t know how it’s going to feel to teach and not coach football."
His time spent drilling the team was not wasted; he brought home a number of wins over the years and has sent numerous boys on to the collegiate level.
“I hope he is remembered not only as the coach with the most wins at Waverly and the most playoff appearances (which he has both), but I hope he is remembered as a coach who would do anything for his players current and in the past,” assistant coach Brian Benson said.
All of those accomplishments, which Johnson is surely recognized for, aren’t the end for him. Not only did he experience success, he encountered a new family.
“All of my players over the 35 years have been part of my family. I wish them the best. I’ve probably had 40 assistant coaches over the years, they become like almost brothers to you or relatives,” Johnson said.
“Coach Johnson has done a lot for me as coach, a mentor and as a friend. He has really taught me great lessons on how to see the ‘big picture’ in what I am doing, not just winning and losing,” Benson said. “I will miss working with Coach and know many former assistants and players that feel the same.”
Assistant coach Seth Styskal agrees with Benson, praising and thanking Johnson for his time at Waverly High School.
“He was able to do a lot of things for the school, for the district and for the community that will leave a lasting impact on everyone that comes through the district for quite some time,” Styskal said. “I feel proud of everything he’s accomplished in his 30 plus years of coaching and what he has built at Waverly High School for the last fourteen years. I’m thankful I had four years to work under him because he definitely brought valuable insight.”
His fellow coaches were not the only ones he impacted. The boys he molded into fine players throughout the years are also grateful for Johnson’s time.
Senior Jared Viets appreciates Johnson pushing him out on the field.
“I would like to thank him for all of the time that he’s given me and the effort that he’s used to help me improve,” Viets said.
As Johnson walked out for what he knew was the last of his games as coach, a smile creeped onto his face. It was quiet at first, as he spilled motivation onto the players with story after story.
“I love the game. I’ve been part of the game since the 1960’s, so that’s something that sticks with you.”
Then, he roared out a chant with the rest of the boys like he did every year. In previous years, Johnson knew the yells would repeat the very next season. This time, the echo must stay with him for years to come.
