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Prior to coaching, Johns tried out for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1964. He was the final player released after the 33-man roster was finalized. In 1967, he was offered a teaching and coaching position at Truman High School in Kansas City. He graciously accepted and moved to Kansas City from his original hometown in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As his journey continued, Johns was ultimately named the first head football coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest and was able to successfully build the program into a perennial powerhouse with experienced student-athletes excelling both on and off the gridiron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe set the groundwork for achievement and supporting confidence,\u201d said Johns. \u201cNever quit, show up on time and be ready to play is our standard. Academics are important, there\u2019s a dress code on game day, and stand tall remembering that you represent your school, your family, your team, your coaches, and most importantly the YOU that you choose to be in your life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This approach has helped foster a miles-long list of memorable moments that include being inducted as a Hall of Fame member at Shawnee Mission Northwest and maintaining friendships with past players and coaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was once advised that you can help a person improve by giving them the right tools and time to move ahead in their career with positive encouragement,\u201d said Johns. \u201cIt\u2019s important to never give up on a goal that you\u2019ve established.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The career goal that Johns tasked himself with was to be a role model and a leader among young men and women. It\u2019s evident he\u2019s accomplished that lifelong goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI always wanted to be the best I could be,\u201d said Johns. \u201cStudying films, plays, counseling teens with family challenges, offering shelter when needed and to always be a helping hand for others. I stand tall as a Christian, with fairness and kindness, but also firmness when needed. I do my very best to listen with high expectations, complement others and encourage their daily improvement. Communication is the key to any relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCoach Johns always brought respect and fair play to the field and treated the players with firm but caring authority,\u201d said Johns\u2019 nominator, Kimber Eubanks. \u201cHe used constant instruction and encouragement to make every player better. This unique skill seems to permeate to the very core of his being, as does his unending desire to teach and inspire others to bring out the best within themselves, even to this day. Shawnee Mission Northwest football players are able to hold our heads high because we have tasted success, and have done it with integrity, because that’s what Coach Johns taught us. He stands as an example of what being a coach and instructor is all about.\u201d
\u201cTo say Coach Johns has impacted hundreds of lives within the Kansas City community would be an enormous understatement,\u201d said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. \u201cHis successful resum\u00e9, which spans many decades, is a perfect example of building, sustaining, and enjoying the art and beauty of coaching and educating student-athletes. Recognizing Coach Johns as a Blue KC Coaches with Character honoree is a privilege for our team and we are proud to help spread his remarkable career accomplishments to our local community. Congratulations!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blue KC Coaches with Character recipients are honored monthly at Kauffman Stadium during Kansas City Royals home games, and fans are encouraged to nominate high school coaches who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/NominateCoachesWithCharacter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n Blue KC Coaches With Character Program<\/p> <\/div>\n Blue KC supports the Kansas City community through impactful sports partnership programs.<\/h3>