Hall of Fame
Gene Johnson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvaina. He attended Brooks Elementary, Shaw Jr. High School and West Philadelphia High School he was a member of the varsity track and football teams. Gene went on to Cheyney State Teachers College (Cheyney University). While at the suburban Philadelphia campus he played football and basketball for the Wolves. He was named captain of the football team his junior and senior year. Gene moved to Gary, Indiana after he graduated in 1961 with a Bachelors degree in education. He began teaching and coaching for the Gary Community School Corporation at Pulaski Jr. High and West Side High School. While teaching and coaching, he received his Master Degree from Indiana University, where he also was a member of their Football Hall of Fame. He also played semi-professional football with the Calument Steelers, Joilet Explorers, Chicago Owls and Lake County Rifles during the same time. Throughout his coaching career at West Side, Gene has coached basketball, football, wrestling and track. He has coached many outstanding athletes who have continued into college and the professional football ranks, including Anthony Clay (St. Louis Cardinals), Jason Johnson (Denver Broncos) and Brandon Moore (New York Nets). Gene is an active member of St. Timothy Community Church and other civic organizations. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Phi and the Gary Civic Choral. He is married to Gwen and they have three daughters.
