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ESFNA 2007 Tournament site
Homer B. Johnson Stadium
& Facts about Coach Homer B. Johnson
Anyone in Texas involved in school sports has had, or will have, his or her life influenced by Coach Homer Johnson. Athletic director for the Garland, Texas Independent School District, Coach Homer celebrates 60 years with Garland school this year. Hired as an assistance coach in 1948, he became head coach in 1957. As the district grew, a new head coach was appointed to Garland High School and Coach Homer took the reins of athletic director in 1963. In the years Coach Homer has served the district, Garland High School athletic teams have won five state championships-Football in 1956, 1963, 1964,and 1999and Girls Soft ball in 2006.
When Coach Homer finished college, he was offered two jobs-head Coach at Forney High School or assistance coach at Garland High School. He opted to return to his Alma Mater. Finding any spare time during football season is a remarkable accomplishment for Coach Homer. He arrives his office at Stadium Drive at 5:30 a.m. and usually gets home around 11:00 p.m. at age 80. But his work doesn't slow down much after this, in addition to football games, he attends baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis games, golf games, softball tournament track and field events-and the list goes on. In additional to overseeing the GISD athletic programs and managing the department's five administrative staff and over 300 coaches, he also makes a point of spending extra time with teams needing additional help. Coach Homer coached a number of students who later went to excel in sport (Pro) and / or business.
Coach Homer is Texas Sport Hall of Fame and the Garland school district honored him by naming the stadium on Centerville Road (ESFNA 24th. Tournament)
I asked him when he is retiring? His answer was when I get old even at age 80
In behalf of the Ethiopian Community, ESFNA, and ESFNA ALUMNI we will pray for fast recovery for his 56 years wife Billy who is receiving physical and occupational therapy for a stroke she had since April 2006.
Again I would like to give a special thank to coach Homer B. Johnson and Dr. Gary M. Reeves Asst. Supt. of Administration for helping us to have our 24th tournament at Homer B. Johnson.
By Kiros W. Selassie (Dallas) ESFNA ALUMNI
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