Macalester College Athletics

A graduate of the class of 1911, the late Ernest W. Johnson earned 11 letters in four sports.

During his years at Baldwin Academy and Macalester College, Mr. Johnson established a record equaled by few Macalester athletes of his era.  He played baseball for seven years, captaining the 1907 and 1908 teams; played football for five years, captaining the 1908 team; and played basketball for four years.  He was also on the track team for two years.  In addition, between 1904 and 1911 he played semi-professional baseball in the Northern League.

After graduating from Macalester, Mr. Johnson taught and coached in high schools in Larimore, N.D., and Saint Paul.  In 1919, he became director of recreation for the City of Saint Paul, a position he held for nearly 40 years.

Mr. Johnson was active in numerous church, fraternal, and civic organizations.  He was a member of Macalester Plymouth United Presbyterian Church; a Mason; charter member of the Society of Recreation Workers of America; and organizer and charter member of the Minnesota Recreation Association.