Former MHS coach inducted into SD Sports Hall of Fame

Former MHS teacher and coach, Wally Johnson, was inducted as an athlete into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame on September 26, 2021 in the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Johnson was one of the best multi-sports athletes in the history of Aberdeen Central and in college played basketball and ran track at Northern State. While at Northern State, he ran the 220-yard dash in 20.5 and was ranked nationally.

Following graduation, his first teaching and coaching job was here in Moorcroft for the years of 1965 and 1966. His first year, he coached Jim Dobson who also was state champion in discus with a state record.

In Wally's second year, he led the basketball team to a 13-3 record and the district championship. Harvey Donner received All State First Team and Art Heselius received All District Honors. In track, he coached Robert Jespersen to state champion in the mile.

Wally left Moorcroft, returning to Aberdeen to coach at Roncalli High School. Wally now resides in Tempe, AZ and enjoys playing golf and watching all sports.