Rarely can people look back and pinpoint the one decision they made that ultimately changed their lives forever. Lee High School senior David Johnson is one of those lucky few. Johnson changed his future his freshman year of high school when he decided to trust his coach and pursue wrestling. Johnson’s decision, along with his hard work, character, and dedication to education, has led him to receive a scholarship from Florida A&M University in the fall. Clearly, Johnson’s decision had a dramatic impact on his life.
Johnson grew up in Jacksonville, where he played football from seventh grade until his senior year of high school. The athlete was fully committed to football when his coach, Ricky Hicks, recommended that he join the wrestling team as well. Although interested in wrestling, Johnson had never considered joining the team. Knowing Hicks had Johnson’s best interest in mind, Johnson joined the team that year. Johnson figured this would be a great way to stay in shape during the off-season, but never imagined the implications it would have on his life. The athlete confessed that wrestling was difficult when he first began.
“Like anything in life, I had to work at it to become better,” Johnson said.
All his hard work paid off his senior year when Johnson qualified for the state tournament. He admitted that after qualifying for state he finally felt like he had a future in wrestling. Johnson described competing at state as, “an amazing learning opportunity.” FAMU noticed Johnson’s performance and offered him a wrestling scholarship. Although Johnson had pictured himself playing football in college, he was honored by this opportunity.
Johnson is not only a committed athlete, but also a dedicated student. When he isn’t training or in school, he likes to have his face in a book. The studious 18-year-old will be graduating from high school in May with a 4.5 weighted GPA. He plans to study chemical engineering at FAMU. Obviously, this young man understands the principles of discipline and time management.
Despite all the student-athlete’s success, he remains humble. He attributed his achievements to his family’s support and his coach’s guidance. Johnson described wrestling as “not only a physical, but also a mental and emotional sport.” He could not imagine getting through it without the support system his family provides. The wrestler’s admiration for Hicks is evident.
“Coach Hicks taught me everything I know about football and wrestling,” Johnson said. “He has been like a second father to me.”
David Johnson has a bright future ahead of him. Although wrestling may not have been what he saw himself doing, he took a leap of faith, he worked hard at it, and now wrestling has become the key to his future. With his athletic ability, intelligence, and charisma, Johnson will surely accomplish whatever he sets out to do in the future.
From the Field to the Mat
By: Tanner Kennedy
