I was walking out of the Providence High gym a few months ago
following a match involving the Pioneers' boys' volleyball team.
As I made my way to my car, I ran into longtime
Bellarmine-Jefferson High and area youth Coach Russ Johnson. Although
the Guards weren't involved in the match, Johnson was there to show
support for the rival high school.
Despite the excitement of the contest, Johnson was interested in
talking about something else. Just a week earlier, one of the coach's
former youth players, Tom Kelly -- who also coached at Burroughs --
led the Hart boys' basketball team to the CIF Southern Section
Division IAA championship game.
Johnson was practically beaming talking about his former player.
"Tom has done such a good job with that team," Johnson said.
"I remember Tommy when he used to be a player for me. Boy, did he
like to shoot the ball. I don't think he ever met a shot he didn't
like.
"But it's really nice to see the success he is having at Hart."
That was typical Russ Johnson. I don't think many things made him
as happy in sports than seeing his players enjoying success and doing
well.
Although Johnson isn't around to give praise to athletes who
needed a pat on the back or a bit of encouragement, many of us will
never forget a man who devoted a large portion of his life helping
young boys and girls be the best they can be.
Johnson, who was a mainstay at Bell-Jeff and at St. Finbar Parish
School, died Wednesday. He was 67.
Like countless others, I am honored to have known Johnson, who was
always quick with a smile and an outstretched hand whenever I saw
him.
One of the things that amazed me about Johnson was how often I saw
him at area sporting events. From volleyball to football to
basketball, he was a fixture at Guards' contests.
But, as evidenced by his attendance at the Providence volleyball
match, he also enjoyed taking in contests at all the area schools.
I could always count on Johnson to give me his personal spin on
the game taking place. Whether it be a basketball squad missing its
defensive assignments, or a volleyball team not getting production
from its outside hitters, Johnson's expertise and keen sports eye
helped provide some interesting perspectives.
Without a doubt, he knew his athletics, and he had a wealth of
knowledge on a wide variety of sports.
*
Johnson was a longtime walk-on coach at Bell-Jeff who started the
boys' volleyball program in 1987. He also assisted the boys'
basketball program.
