Many of Alvis Johnson's former players turned out for a community celebration of his life and shared many stories about his impact on their lives. (Christy Vaught Photo)
As I continue to struggle with the loss of my long-time friend Alvis Johnson and the heartache I feel for his family and friends, I’ve debated what other words I might be able to share about the former Harrodsburg High School football coach, track coach, teacher, athletics director and assistant principal — not to mention his work at UK and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
Then it hit me — just share some of the many, many social media posts I have been touched by as I read because it just emphasized to me that as much as I thought Alvis Johnson was beloved, I totally underestimated the impact he had on so many and the legacy he left after his passing Saturday.
So that’s what I am doing as I picked out just a few of my favorite posts that I have seen in the last 24 hours.
Let me start with former WLEX-TV sports director Alan Cutler, who now has a weekday show on ESPN Sports Radio (1300 AM) in Lexington: “One of the greats. I’m lucky that we were friends. I’m lucky that I got to spend a few minutes with Alvis Johnson at the Sweet 16. Everyone who knew him was lucky. Tough with a kind heart. Leader, great coach. I have a love in my heart for Alvis Johnson.”
Terry Yeast played for Johnson at Harrodsburg and has been a teacher, track coach and administrator at Harrodsburg and Mercer County high schools (he recently became the athletics director at George Rogers Clark High School). Here’s what he posted about Johnson:
“Two words stick out to me as I think about what Deacon/Coach Johnson meant to me: LOVE & LEADERSHIP. He represented them both well in all his walks of life. He was a true mentor, father figure, coach, teacher, etc, etc, etc!!!! I am what I am because Coach played a huge role in guiding me down the path I am on. Thank you for all you did for so dang many! You loved like Jesus and it struck so many of us! Rest easy coach! Say hi to all we love up there.”
Woodford County judge James Kay has had a chance to know Johnson since his son, Dennis, became the football coach and athletics director at Woodford. “Alvis Johnson is a legend. Woodford County mourns the deep and abiding loss of a great man. We are blessed and grateful that he spent his last years on our sidelines and courtside doing the things he loved, coaching and supporting his sons and grandsons. His legacy and legend lives on,” Kay posted.
Bob DeFoor is another former player/student who paid tribute on social media: “Coach Johnson was larger than life. I’ll never forget his U.S. history class or his fiery pep talks to us before a big game. Prayers to his family.”
Current Anderson County coach David Buchanan is a former Mercer player and coach. He’s known the Johnson family for years. He posted: “We lost a giant of man but his impact will live on in the countless lives he touched. Love you coach. Thank you for how you loved us. Thank you for your example. To Mrs. Rosetta, Dennis, & Derrick, thank you for sharing him with us.”
Pulaski County football coach John Hines tweeted “it was an honor to know coach Johnson.”
Debbie Morris of Boyle County left a heartfelt message about Johnson here after reading about his passing in my story Saturday: “Coach Johnson was my track coach at Harrodsburg High School, my US History teacher, my assistant Principal, and my friend. He was an outstanding influence in my life … so respected in our community and state! My all time favorite memory of him must be shared. He would walk the halls (at HHS) in a Santa suit at Christmas time. He will remain my all time favorite elf.”
It’s kind of hard to imagine Johnson being the giant of a man he was an elf but his heart of gold and giving spirit does make that a fitting tribute and there’s no doubt he would do anything to help/inspire students.
One of the best stories that illustrates Johnson’s character came from former Danville all-state lineman Clay Clevenger, who is now the head coach at Somerset. Clevenger’s mother and Johnson worked together at Harrodsburg High School and he had the same babysitters as Derrick and Dennis Johnson, Alvis’ son. They even played Little League together.
“We went to Danville, but Coach was always friendly and willing to help! February of my Senior year in high school and I had 0 offers to play college football! I ran into Coach Johnson at a Danville-H Burg basketball game that year and he was mad I didn’t have any college offers. The next day I get called out of class at DHS and Jack Harbaugh, head coach at WKU at the time, was on the phone and invited me down for a visit,” Clevenger posted.
“Coach Johnson ‘made a call’ and added me to his list of kids to help get into college. I didn’t end up at WKU, but the point of making a call made an impact! I always said if I was ever to be a head high school coach, helping kids get opportunities to further themselves would trump ‘Championships.’
“Not to mention Ms Rosetta was my third grade teacher and is my all time favorite teacher. So with that said and tears in my eyes, Rest easy Coach. Your mark on this world stretches far beyond X’s and O’s!”
Indeed it does as shown by how many high school football fields across the state turned on lights Sunday night to honor Johnson and the turnout for a community service at the Mercer County football field (the former Harrodsburg field) that is named for Johnson.
No funeral arrangements have been released yet but I can only imagine what a turnout there will be to say a goodbye to one special man.
