The Unforgettable Fire of Coach Johnson

Passion is a powerful force. It can drive us to achieve greatness, pushing us beyond our perceived limits. But, as we’ve all seen, that same passion can also lead to a downfall if left unchecked. However, when we think of certain people, like Coach Lamont Johnson, passion takes on a different meaning—it becomes the very tool that shapes and molds us into better versions of ourselves.

Coach Johnson was a man of intense passion. He didn’t just coach football or track; he lived it, and he expected the same from his players. There were no games, no shortcuts. His presence on the field was a constant reminder that mediocrity was not an option. He pushed hard during practices, on the track, and even through our most troubling days, and you couldn't help but respect him for it. His passion wasn't just for the sport; it was for the person. Coach Johnson joined the coaching staff with the late, great Coach Chris Deal after coming from Salisbury, bringing a new level of intensity and discipline to the team.

I'll never forget my time on the junior varsity football team in the 9th grade. I missed a tackle, and the look Coach Johnson gave me was one of pure, unadulterated passion mixed with disappointment. I didn't need him to say a word; I could read his mind. He didn't play around. He demanded excellence and accountability.

His lessons weren’t confined to the field. I remember a day when a teacher approached Coach Johnson and complained about my classroom performance. He found me, looked me dead in the eye, and said, "I'll see you on the hill after practice." The hill wasn't just a physical challenge; it was a consequence, a symbol of accountability. I knew in that moment I had messed up, and the weight of my mistake was enough to send me back to that teacher to apologize. It was a simple exchange, but it taught me a profound lesson about integrity and responsibility. The pain of the hill was less about punishment and more about making sure I never forgot the lesson.

Coach Johnson's discipline was a testament to his love for his players. He pushed us hard because he cared deeply about our success, not just in sports but in life. He saw the potential in each of us and was willing to do whatever it took to help us reach it, even if that meant a tough conversation, an intense drill, or a "heart-to-heart." His tough love was a reflection of his passion for developing young men and women.

His impact was widespread. He helped shape track stars, developed incredible football players, and crafted great basketball players. You could feel his passion in every drill and every lecture. He had a gift for connecting with us and making us believe in ourselves, even when we doubted our own abilities. He treated each of us like his own children, and that’s what made his lessons so effective and his influence so lasting.

Passion, in the hands of a great coach, is a tool for nurturing, mentoring, and developing the character of those they lead. Coach Lamont Johnson showed us that passion isn't just about what you do; it's about how you do it and, more importantly, why you do it. He didn't just teach us how to be better athletes; he taught us how to be better people.