Central Michigan University Athletics
Johnson Carries On Family Tradition
2/22/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 22, 2001
To many people it is just an old, worn out picture, but to Luke Johnson it represents everything that he stands for as a player and a person.
That picture is of Jim Mongeau, Luke's grandfather. He was a Chippewa who played under famed coach Dan Rose during the mid-1950's. When he sees his grandfather's picture hanging in his locker, Luke is reminded of the family tradition that he is proudly continuing. Along with his grandfather, Luke's father (Tom) was also a basketball player who played for Eastern Michigan University.
"My family was a main reason that I wanted to get it into basketball," said Luke. "I really wanted to continue the family tradition of playing basketball at a high level.
"My grandfather was an amazing man who was a tremendous influence on my life along with the other members of my family. When he passed away, I knew that I wanted to do all I could to continue what he started. It is just a great feeling knowing that I kept the tradition going and that I can represent my family out on the court."
One characteristic that Luke points to when discussing his success is his spiritually and faith in God. He explains that many of the players are members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and that has helped bring the team closer together and gives them a common bond.
"I know that whatever happens God will always be there and this has really helped me as a player," said the 6-1 200-pound senior. "It has also helps us as a team because we realized that God has a plan for us. I think that is one of the main reason we have been so successful is that our understanding that it is in his hands and that all we can do is work our hardest and hopefully things will play out in our favor. Even if it doesn't then God will still be there for us."
As for the future, Luke plans on graduating in August with a major in sports studies and a minor in art. After that he is looking at continuing his education in graduate school with thoughts of earning a master's degree in sports or athletic administration. He would like to become either an athletic director or a youth pastor.
"I have always wanted to have a job where I was able to influence young people and I will be able to do that with both those careers," explained Luke. "I have always wanted to be a youth pastor but I have always loved sports and I think being an athletics director would be a great career. I don't think I could lose with either one of them. I will be happy as long as I have the ability to influence kids."
It is clear to see that Luke places a tremendous amount of pride into everything he does and that he is an amazing teammate, son and young man who truly values all whose around him. There is no question that he has done a tremendous job representing the man in that old, worn out picture.
By: Rob Wyman, Sports Information Assistant
