University of Minnesota Athletics
Grant Johnson - M Club Hall of Fame
Class of 2008
Basketball: 1936-38
Grant Johnson epitomized the word teammate both on the basketball court and in life. A key member of Minnesota’s 1937 Big Ten champion and 1938 Big Ten runner-up men’s basketball teams and the third member of the 1937 squad to earn a spot in the “M” Club Hall of Fame, Johnson was a driving force for the Gophers at both ends of the floor throughout his career. A guard and defensive specialist, Johnson was a coaches’ dream and is best remembered as the type of hard-nosed player that always seemed to make life easier for his teammates thanks to his superior defensive abilities.
Following his playing career, Johnson dedicated his life to the service of others and always held a special place in his heart for the University of Minnesota. A National Honor Society member who graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Johnson served as a member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Board of Directors during the 1950s and later earned the board’s service award. He also received the University of Minnesota’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 1971 and organized the first University of Minnesota Sports Alumni Associations in Wanamingo, Pine Island, Detroit Lakes and Buffalo.
Johnson also strived to serve the citizens of the state of Minnesota. He was the chairman of the Governor's Commission on Health and Recreation and a permanent member of the Building Commission for the State Department of Education as well as the president of the Western School Masters and Western Division of Professional School Administrators.
The president and treasurer of the Minnesota State High School League throughout the 1960s, Johnson was also honored with the Minnesota Governor's Centennial Statehood Sports Championship award.