Members
Inductee
JOHNSON, RALPH E.
JOHNSON, RALPH E.
Born on December 23, 1906
November 17, 1992.
Inducted On
July 27, 1973
Location Inducted
Bloomington, IN
Region Number
7
Speedway
Coach
Austin, IN
1931
Central Normal College, Danville
1935
Upon his retirement, he received a Special Citizen s Award from Governor Bowen; presented with Service Award by sportswriter Bill Benner on behalf of the Indianapolis Star-News; town of Speedway honored him with a Ralph Johnson Week and Ralph Johnson Day on December 13, 1972; named to Speedway's inaugural Town Hall of Fame in January, 1973.
Wife, Lois; son, Bob, and daughters, Sue and Jane Ann.
Coaching Experience: Head basketball coach and teacher at Austin and Stilesville High Schools 5 years; became first basketball coach at Speedway High School in 1935; organized first football team at Speedway in 1940, playing 6-man teams because school was so small; transitioned to 11-man football in 1944; head football coach at Speedway 1940-1973, with a record of 241-60-6 and an all-time winning percentage of 80%.
Coaching Honors: Speedway football field was renamed "Ralph E. Johnson Field" upon his retirement in 1973; team was undefeated in his final season; teams had many county and Mid-State Conference titles.
Coaching Honors: Speedway football field was renamed "Ralph E. Johnson Field" upon his retirement in 1973; team was undefeated in his final season; teams had many county and Mid-State Conference titles.
