Johnson Named Athletic Director of the Year

Doug McAcy
2.5.08

It’s not every day that staff member is recognized with a statewide award. Athletic director Jeff Johnson was recently awarded the District 2 NSAA Athletic Director of the Year. District 2 is comprised of all the high schools in the Omaha metro area in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

Someone either within the school or on the state board nominated Johnson, but he does not know who submitted his name. Upon hearing the news, he was excited.

“I was honored,” Johnson said. “It really speaks highly of our school and our staff. I’m just glad to be part of the process.”

Johnson is in his 12th year of administrative work and 10th year of serving as athletic director. Upon graduating from Doane College with a double major in biology and English, Johnson taught both subjects at Plainview High School in Plainview, Neb.

After that, he returned to his hometown of Norfolk, Neb., to become an assistant principal. The next year, Johnson accepted the position of athletic director at Grand Island High School in Grand Island, Neb., where he worked for four years, managing the athletics and activities of the high school.

Johnson was then named the athletic director at PL South where he started work one year before the school was open.

All of Johnson’s hard work has paid off, but he is nowhere near ending his career.

“I always had passion for sports and for the love of the game, the coaches and the players,” Johnson said. “I enjoy watching athletes improve and keeping in touch with them after they move on.”

photo by Braden Boex