Hall of Fame
For more than 34 years, Neil Johnson has been an intricate part of Potsdam athletics through his commitment to excellence in the classroom, his role as a coach and his work as an administrator.
Johnson came to Potsdam in 1963 as a Health and Physical Education professor and began the start of his 25-year coaching career in wrestling. He also served as the head coach of tennis and as an assistant coach for the men’s soccer team.
Johnson guided the Potsdam wrestling program to state and national prominence. He posted a career record of 146-119-3 in dual meets. He coached 13 All- Americans and 12 SUNYAC champions, and placed third in the state in 1973 and 1975 and fourth at the NCAA nationals in 1974. In 1975, Johnson was runner-up for the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year Award and was inducted into the New York State College Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Off the mat, Johnson has been recognized for both his teaching strengths and administrative resolve, winning a Chancellor’s award for excellence in professional service and a President’s award for excellence in public service.
Johnson is also founder and director of the Potsdam Exercise Program (PEP) and a founding member of the Potsdam Sports Hall of Fame.
He resides in Potsdam with his wife Marilyn.
