Wally Johnson - Inducted 2021

Wally Johnson was a 1960 Aberdeen Central High School graduate and a 1964 Northern State College graduate. He was an outstanding multi-sport athlete who excelled in track & field and baseball and was an all-conference performer in football and basketball.

Johnson’s accomplishments in 1960 were amazing.  He was runner up in the South Dakota High School Male Athlete of the Year balloting.  He led Central to South Dakota State Basketball Tournament consolation championship and won three state track & field titles in the 100-, 220-, and 440-yard races while setting the state record of 0:09.9 seconds in the 100.

Johnson helped lead the Aberdeen Smittys Baseball Team to state title as the Legion Player of the Year and the winning pitcher in state title game.  He helped Aberdeen win two Teener state baseball titles (one as player, other as coach) and he played on a state Amateur championship team.

At Northern, Johnson was the conference champion in the 100-, 220- and 440-yard races three years in a row, setting school records in all three events.  An injury kept him from competing his senior year.  His time of 0:20.5 in the 220, on the straightaway, was ranked in the top 10 in the nation.  He was a national qualifier in track & field.  He was two-year starter for the NSU basketball team.

Johnson was a successful amateur athlete in baseball, basketball and softball and was a successful high school basketball and football coach in Wyoming and Arizona.  He is a member of the Aberdeen Central and NSU Halls of Fame.