Anson Johnson, Class of 2019, signs with Benedictine College to play football next fall.
As a parent, fan, coach or pretend sports reporter, one of the saddest sights to see is the tears falling down the faces of a high school senior coming off the field, or court, after his or her final high school game. In Adrian, much like other small towns, it’s almost like a rite of passage. From youth soccer, to t-ball, to flag football to little league for all sports, Junior High and then high school, sports is such a large part of a kid's life that the end of that “career” can be quite the downer. Very few get to take their skills to the next level.
As much of a challenge as it is to find a college interested in a student athlete being part of their team, Adrian has graduated players that get to be part of a new journey. New teammates, new team name in a new town with a great opportunity for new memories to be made and relationships formed. This year, the first of Adrian’s athletes from the Class of 2019 is prepared to take that next step. Anson Johnson recently signed on to play football for Benedictine College. The Ravens are an NAIA school based in Atchison, KS and play in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Anson said, “I am super excited to be able to continue chasing my dreams of playing football and going to college. Super excited to join Coach Larry Wilcox and the team next fall. I am very fortunate to be able to play for the Ravens.”
In kindergarten, Anson started playing football and has played ever since. In little league, he always wanted to run the ball. Finally one season he made weight and got the opportunity to run one play and got a first down. Fast forward to his senior year against Lockwood in the district championship game, Anson got to relive that glory with a one yard dive to paydirt, sealing the victory for the Blackhawks. Anson said, “High school junior and senior years were the most fun I’ve ever had. If I had to choose one game (most memorable) it would have to be against Lockwood in the District Championship and shutting them out. We had lost to them the year before 8-0”. Being ever so humble, Anson did not mention the touchdown in the game.
Anson scored his first career touchdown in 7th grade for the Blackhawks!
Touchdown, Senior Anson Johnson!
Anson’s high school football career came with many honors starting his sophomore year when his efforts were recognized with 3rd team offensive line. His junior and senior years he was named 1st Team All-Conference and All-District offense and defense as well as 1st Team All-State offensive line. He was selected to play in the Missouri Lions All-Star Game this July in Warrensburg, MO. Anson also excelled in track for the Blackhawks, breaking one of the longest standing school records with a discus throw of 167’2”.
As a role model and a leader on the field, Anson was always teaching and encouraging underclassmen on the line. His advice to the underclassmen: “These past couple years I’ve been with you guys has me excited for the next years to come at Adrian. If you all put in the work in the weight room and in the classroom you can do great things. Put in hard work and dedicate your time in the offseason to working hard and bettering yourself. If you better yourself, you better your team. My class and I have tried to bring back that Blackhawk Pride and I know you guys will continue to have that Pride and Spirit through your years at Adrian.”
Above, after the football awards: The underclassmen will miss Anson next season! Below: Anson congratulates sophomore Keaton Cook on a great play in Rich Hill.
Johnson credits Randy Reed, Monte Johnson, and Mr. Colter Schacher as big influencers for him. “Randy and my dad Monte have been with me all of my life and helped me and others tremendously. Mr. Schacher came here during my first year of high school and has helped me so much in the classroom and with many aspects of my life. I can’t thank them enough.” He also offered these words of gratitude: “Big thanks to Randy Reed and my dad Monte. They have helped me grow into the man I am today. Without them I wouldn’t have found my love for the game of football. They have helped me tremendously outside of football as well. Also my mom Charlotte, who was at every game throughout my life and always will be. She has always kept me motivated and helped me understand a lot about life.”
Anson and his Mom, Charlotte, and Dad, Monte.
Anson gets high praise from Blackhawk football Head Coach Matt Cochran: “Anson has always been a hard worker and a team player. He was a very good leader on our offensive and defensive line. We ran a majority of our plays behind his side of the offensive line. We averaged over 6 yards a carry, in large part, due to his ability to move people. He will be sorely missed in Adrian, but Benedictine is getting a heck of a football player. Our loss is their gain. I wish him well, and I know he will be a success on and off the field.”
Anson, along with Head Coach Cochran and the assistant coaches, lead the Blackhawks onto the field for the Quarterfinals game against Lincoln in the Fall of 2018.
Anson with Gavin Reed and James Keating. Above is high school, below is junior high.
Anson in Little League, left, and freshman year, right.
Anson is one of the captains in high school (above) and junior high (below).
Lineman Anson Johnson - JH, left and HS, right.
Lineman Anson Johnson - Little League, left and HS, right.
Anson in Little League with his Dad, Monte. He credits his dad with being one of the biggest influences in his football career and his life.
Anson is pictured above (high school) and below (Little League) with longtime friend and teammate Gavin Reed, along with his Dad Monte and Gavin's Dad Randy. Anson has expressed great appreciation for these men.
BEST OF LUCK, ANSON! WE WISH YOU THE VERY BEST! THANK YOU FOR THE HEART AND SOUL YOU'VE GIVEN TO THE BLACKHAWKS! IT'S BEEN AN HONOR TO WATCH YOU THROUGH THE YEARS AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU PLAY AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL!
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