Richard Johnson '37 (1992) - Hall of Fame - Davidson College Athletics

Richard Johnson '37

Induction:
1992
Class:
1937

Johnson, like Ed Armfield, capitalized on Davidson's newly-gained membership in the Southern Conference in 1936. Johnson played offensive guard and defensive line for the Wildcats and in 1936 was the school's first All-Southern Conference selection. After Johnson in 1936, it would be 30 years before the 'Cats had another all-league player. Johnson was second team All-American in 1936 and All-State in 1935 and 1936. In track, Johnson participated in track, specializing in the javelin and discus. It is fitting that Armfield should enter Davidson's Hall of Fame together. They were classmates at McCallie School in Chattanooga before enrolling at Davidson. Johnson considered the rigors of playing offense and defense (rules permitted only one substitution per quarter) as good training for his 30-year career as a Marine Corps Officer. Johnson, who passed away in 1993, participated in three wars - World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam - in his military career. He reached the rank of full colonel.