The new head football coach, Mitch Johnson, started his first day at Northwood on Monday, Feb 6. He has a firm background in coaching and teaching, which started from a young age.
¨I would coach [during] high school, coach the little kids and I just wanted to give back to the community that helped raise me¨ Johnson said.
Johnson added he has always enjoyed giving back to his community and being a role model for others. Growing up, he played football, basketball, and baseball.
¨Baseball was my favorite, that was my first love¨ Johnson said.
Northwood’s football team has been a part of the school’s history since it was founded in 1972. Johnson said he always had his eye on Northwood and was interested in Northwood’s program here.
¨I know the tradition that’s here,¨ Johnson said. ¨It’s part of the state that I know the best, so it’s one of those things that being familiar with something is nice¨.
Johnson was thrilled when he got the opportunity to work at Northwood. He said it gave him a sense of familiarity he didn’t always have while growing up since his father was in the military, and he moved around often. Johnson says he was able to settle in quickly with the positive and welcoming environment from all the students. Plans for the upcoming football season are already being thought of and put into action. As far as a successful season, he aims to create a football program that includes everyone and keeps everyone healthy.
¨I hold them to a higher standard because I want them to be the standard of what a student-athlete should be¨ Johnson said. He expects his athletes to be leaders of the school, as well as good role models.
¨Everybody has a role in our program,¨ Johnson said. ¨Our program is going to be like a family, like a brotherhood¨. Johnson said he doesn’t want anyone to be hesitant about joining the team. What he does want is for his players to feel a sense of belonging and that they are cared for. That they are more than just an athlete; it isn’t always about being an athlete. He wants them to know he is there for his players whenever they need, for anything they need. The program becomes a family for life.
¨For the rest of their lives I’ll be one text, one call, away¨ Johnson said.
He takes their opinions and feedback into consideration, but that doesn’t stop him from working hard. One thing he wants to be known for is that he is big on working hard but having fun doing it.
The players are excited to see what he has to bring to the table and where he can get them. They have similar views when it comes to changes within the football program.
¨I really like how he views how we’re going to change the program this year and develop the program as a whole,¨ junior Carson Fortunes said.
The players are building strong relationships with Johnson and discussing plans for the upcoming season. The athletes mentioned how they look up to and respect Johnson. Johnson is a teacher to all, not just the football players. He wants to make sure everyone feels heard and that they are confident in their decisions.
¨Use high school to figure yourself out and to make positive habits so that when you go to college you already have a foundation,¨ Johnson said. His advice for athletes was to remember people are always watching and to be a leader everywhere they go.
“Not everyone gets the opportunity to play a sport, so live in the moment and enjoy it,” Johnson said.
