Retired wrestling coach Mark Johnson inducted as an honorary member of Illinois’ Varsity “I” Association
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by Brett Moore, University of Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The Varsity “I” Association of the University of Illinois is excited to recognize its 2016 honorees during Homecoming Weekend this week
The Varsity “I” Association also will induct Mark Johnson as an honorary member for his long-standing loyalty, service and contributions to Illinois athletics.
Mark is a native of Rock Island, Illinois, and wrestled at the University of Michigan, where he was twice an NCAA finalist and All-American.He was a U.S. champion and qualified for the 1980 Olympic Greco-Roman team.
Mark started a highly successful coaching career in 1978 and had stints at Iowa and Oregon State before becoming the head wrestling coach at the University of Illinois in 1993.Mark then proceeded to transform the Illinois program.He retired in 2009 as the most successful wrestling coach in Illini history and one of the best nationally.During his 17-year Illinois tenure, Coach Johnson developed seven individual national champions and 45 All-Americans, won the 2005 Big Ten team championship, and guided Illini teams to 10 top-10 finishes at the NCAA championships.
Mark is currently CEO of the Stephens Family YMCA in Champaign, Illinois, where he lives with his wife, Linda. They have two daughters, Tricia and Mackey.
Also being recognized are:
Male Achievement Award: Bob Bucklin (Football ‘72)
First-Ever Female Achievement Award: Dr. Sheila Crump Johnson (Cheerleading ’70)
Merit Award: Tony Clements (Football/Basketball ’70)
The Varsity “I” Association also will induct Mark Johnson as an honorary member for his long-standing loyalty, service and contributions to Illinois athletics.
Mark is a native of Rock Island, Illinois, and wrestled at the University of Michigan, where he was twice an NCAA finalist and All-American.He was a U.S. champion and qualified for the 1980 Olympic Greco-Roman team.
Mark started a highly successful coaching career in 1978 and had stints at Iowa and Oregon State before becoming the head wrestling coach at the University of Illinois in 1993.Mark then proceeded to transform the Illinois program.He retired in 2009 as the most successful wrestling coach in Illini history and one of the best nationally.During his 17-year Illinois tenure, Coach Johnson developed seven individual national champions and 45 All-Americans, won the 2005 Big Ten team championship, and guided Illini teams to 10 top-10 finishes at the NCAA championships.
Mark is currently CEO of the Stephens Family YMCA in Champaign, Illinois, where he lives with his wife, Linda. They have two daughters, Tricia and Mackey.
Also being recognized are:
Male Achievement Award: Bob Bucklin (Football ‘72)
First-Ever Female Achievement Award: Dr. Sheila Crump Johnson (Cheerleading ’70)
Merit Award: Tony Clements (Football/Basketball ’70)
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