Kip Johnson

Kip Johnson’s athleticism was spread across Astoria High Schools’ sport seasons. As a three sport letterman in football, basketball and track, Johnson left his mark as a Fisherman. He was a coach’s dream…speed, size, ability and whatever was asked of him, he would try and succeed. His work ethic was second to none. He was the consummate team leader, unselfish teammate and always encouraged others.

Fall brought success to Kip as he began his varsity football career as a junior. By the time his senior year rolled around, Kip improved immensely and was tenacious at his position of defensive back. As a result, Johnson was named to the All-Coast Valley League 2nd Team as a defensive back and received the coveted Chris Pohl Award.

After playing sophomore and J.V. basketball, Kip entered his senior season starting on the varsity. Playing post and forward, he led the Fishermen hoopsters in scoring with 337 points and was leading rebounder. He made 1st team All Coast and 2nd team All Coast Valley League and won his team’s most outstanding player award.

Lettering three seasons in track, Kip set the bar in the high jump. He established a new sophomore high jump record of 6’3”, winning the district high jump competition which enabled him to receive All League honors. He was also a member of the 2nd place mile relay team that set a school record of 3:25 that still stands at the time of his induction into the Hall of Fame.

Kip went on to Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University) after high school graduation, participating in football and track for the Wolves. As a four year letterman in football and a three year starter on defense, Kip received many honors. He was his teams’ defensive captain, named as a District 2 Player of the Week twice, named to the 1st Team Evergreen Conference Team and had the distinction of playing in a national playoff game against San Angelo State College (now Angelo State University).

As a three year letterman in track, Johnson, then only a sophomore, was leading the district competition in the decathlon after 7 events, but an injury forced him to withdraw from the meet. By the time his senior season rolled around, Kip placed third at districts in the decathlon with 6,598 points and qualified for nationals where he finished 11th. Kip also ran anchor on both the short and mile relays.

After college, Kip coached football at Central High School for four years, turning around a program that was 0-9 to State Champions his final season. As a member of the Astoria High School Hall of Fame Class of 2006, Kip is the third member of the Johnson family to be inducted into the Hall of Fame joining his father, Larry and his sister, Kam.