Nat Johnson - 1997 Athlete
Often described as Anderson University's one-man track show, Nat Johnson also distinguished himself in football and basketball while on campus. It all culminated with teammates choosing him track team captain twice and Most Valuable Player for three straight seasons (1959-61). Johnson was also chosen MVP in football in 1961 and 1962 and was an All-American in 1963 and lettered in basketball for two seasons. He was also a recipient of the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award in 1964.Johnson also established school records in more than one sport, holding the long jump (23-5) and pole vault (12-6) record in track and the single season touchdown record in football.
His track career extended beyond college as he finished 18th in the 1963 National Decathlon Olympic trials and spent 15 years as track coach at his alma mater, Anderson High School. He was selected conference Coach of the Year and has been on the coaching staff for the Midwest Meet of Champions.
The multi-talented Johnson who vaulted, broad jumped, threw the shot and javelin and ran on the hurdle, sprint and shuttle relay teams in the Wabash Relays one year spent 35 years as a guidance counselor and touching countless young lives in Anderson Community Schools.
Anderson University is proud to name Nathaniel L. Johnson among its first inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame.
