Legendary SIAC Hoops Coach celebrates 90th Birthday
The LeMoyne-Owen College in conjunction with the LeMoyne-Owen College Alumni Association-Memphis Chapter will celebrate Legendary Coach Jerry Johnson, Sr.’s 90th birthday on Friday, June 20, 2008. The event will take place at 7:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Select located at 2240 Democrat Road in Memphis, TN.
Special guest apperances by City of Memphis Mayor Dr. W. W. Herenton, Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton, University of Memphis Basketball Coach John Calipari, Former Head Basketball Coach John Thompson Sr. of Georgetown University, former University of Arkansas Coach Nolan Richardson, head basketball coach of Southwest Tennessee Community College and Hall of Fame Coach Vertie Sails, members of the 1975 National Championship Team, and many other former players, coaches and friends of beloved Coach Johnson will be in attendance to help celebrate this glorious occasion.
Proceeds from the event will go to the endowed Jerry C. Johnson Athletic Scholarship.
Coach Johnson retired in 2005 after coaching 46 years for LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis. At 86 years young, his accomplishments and honors are numerous.
In his illustrious career, he has to his credit, the 1975 NCAA Division III Championship, five SIAC Championships, five Championship titles in the former Volunteer State Athletic Conference, plus many NCAA regional play offs. Johnson was ranked first among active NCAA Division II coaches with 821 wins in 46 seasons and is one of just six NCAA men’s basketball coaches who have won more than 800 games.
Through the years, Coach Johnson was named VSAC “Coach of the Year” four consecutive years (1971 through 1974), and SIAC “Coach of the Year” in 1999, 2000 and 2005. He was inducted to the Fayetteville State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991, to the SIAC Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995, and to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2005, upon his retirement, the Memphis City Council named “Jerry C. Johnson” street. He received the keys to the City of Memphis (February), received the keys to LeMoyne-Owen College (April) and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the City of Memphis (June).
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) celebrated Coach Johnson’s career throughout the 2005 SIAC JEEP Basketball Tournament. The SIAC Basketball Media Guide was a special Jerry C. Johnson Commemorative Edition and featured a spread highlighting Coach Johnson’s career.
Beginning with the 2005-2006 season, coaches who are elected SIAC Coach of the Year will receive the Jerry C. Johnson Coach of the Year Award.
Maybe the most lasting legacy Coach Johnson will leave is the actual men he has taught and coached. From his teams, there have come eight NBA players, six high school or junior high school coaches, seven college coaches, four principals, a city councilman, the current mayor of Memphis and many other successful young men.
Seating for this event is limited, so get your tickets now! All seats and tables can be purchased on-line at the LeMoyne-Owen College website and through the Alumni Affairs Office by contacting Ms. Frankie Jeffries at 901-435-1530.
For more information please click the links below.
Coach Johnson 90th B-day Flyer