Greg Johnson could be the once-and-future Watonga Eagle. He was a player here back in the mid-70s when there were two state football titles. Now he is back as coach, a privilege he had in the back of his mind for a long time.
Speaking Wednesday at the Watonga Kiwanis Club, Johnson had a lot to say about coming home and stepping into what he considers a rebuilding program.
Johnson said a culture of winning has to be built, and that means winning off the field first. He wants the community to communicate. If a player is misbehaving and a citizen notices, they can contact the coaches. “We are going to be consistent and follow school policies. We’re going to let the punishment fit the infraction,” he said.
Another part of that communication is restoring the Friday night Watonga tradition of a packed stadium. Johnson remembered when the streets of the town were empty on Friday nights with home games because everyone was at the football field.
Where does the onfield win begin? He’s looking to the younger players, all the way down to middle school. His coaches back in the day were Wood Roof and Mr. Caldwell and Mr. McCall before that.
Johnson plans to use the same coaching staff from the sixth grade team all the way up to varsity. His hope is that with the same consistent coaching, the team will learn that vertical alignment that builds a winning tradition.
“I want to win every game,” Johnson said. “But I’m a realist. It could take a little while. I’ve got 10 freshmen, seven or eight sophomores and juniors and five seniors who have never played together. I’m excited to be in Watonga, but bear with me while we build it up.”
As for specifics, Johnson said he encourages the players to engage in multiple sports, creating a well rounded athlete.
On the field, things will also go back to the basics.
“We are going to emphasize great defense and controlling the ball. I’m a little old school, you might see the wishbone every now and then.”
Johnson is looking for great things from some of his older players.
“Cooper House is a great kicker. Wade Manke is an awesome player and Devon Teply is the strongest guy in the room. I’m glad to see Boomer Mendenhall back.”
As far as the soft spots on the Eagle squad, Johnson would like to see them get stronger, developing the physicality to dig in during the second half.
Watonga football will kick off at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at home against Hobart.