Leo Johnson, a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to coaching and mentoring athletes in Baldwinsville, NY, deserves to be honored for his immense contributions. As a wrestling coach and athletic director, Leo has positively impacted countless lives and shaped the future of our community's sports programs. It is only fitting that we recognize his extraordinary achievements by naming the Baldwinsville gymnasium after him.

Leo's influence as a coach extends far beyond the wrestling mat. His unwavering commitment to excellence has inspired generations of athletes to push their limits and strive for greatness both on and off the field. Under his guidance, numerous wrestlers have achieved state championships, earning recognition not only for themselves but also for our beloved town.

In 25 years of coaching high school wresting in New York, Leo Johnson has amassed a 306-41-5 dual meet record, 13 league championships and 8 sectional titles. In 4 of 7 years, Coach Johnson's teams were ranked the number one team by the New York State Sportswriters Association. Leo has won numerous Coach of the Year honors, including being selected Northeastern Regional Coach of the Year in 1976 and 1980 by the National High School Coaches Association. He served as national wrestling chairman from 1975-79.

Leo Johnson has been called "Mr. Wresting." He's a legend in his own time. Without a doubt, Johnson, a 1960 Cortland graduate, has few, if any, peers among high school wrestling coaching in the entire United States. As wrestling coach at East Syracuse High School between 1960 and 1964 and head coach at Baldwinsville High School from 1964 until retirement, Johnson's teams have compiled a phenomenal 255-36-5 record, and 87.6 percent winning average. His Baldwinsville wrestling teams had become the most awesome force on the high school matts by earning the New York State dual meet championship in 1978, 1979 and 1981. The squad had two losses against some 130 victories.

In 1980, the National High School Coaches Association selected Johnson as the National Coach of the Year in Wrestling. The honor culminates years of post-season plaudits that Johnson had been awarded. The list is seemingly endless. Northeastern N.H.S.A.C.A. Coach of the Year; New York State Coaches Honor Award; Scholastic "Man of the Year" in Upstate New York; a member of the New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame; President of New York State Wrestling Coaches Association; National Regional Coach of the Year -N.H.S.A.C.A.; New York State Coach of the Year

In addition, Johnson has been a guest lecturer at coaching clinics in the Virgin Islands, Oregon, Iowa, Michigan, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Oklahoma, Minnesota and New York. The Cortland State graduate belongs to the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, the New York State Wrestling Coaches Association, the Scholastic Wrestling News and the Syracuse Wrestling Officials Association.

He was a member of the United States Olympic Committee in 1974, was director of the Medalist Sports Industries National Coaches Clinic between 1976 and 1980, was appointed National hall of Fame Liaison for the N.H.S.A.C.A. in 1979. Johnson was chairman of the Onondaga High School League between 1969 and 1972.

In June 1980, Coach Johnson was selected by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association as the National Coach of the Year in Wrestling.

As an athletic director, Leo played an instrumental role in fostering a culture of sportsmanship and teamwork within our community. He has tirelessly worked towards providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills while instilling values such as discipline, dedication, and respect. Through his leadership, he has helped shape well-rounded individuals who excel not just athletically but also academically.

These facts highlight the undeniable influence that Leo Johnson has had on shaping successful athletes within our community. By naming the Baldwinsville gymnasium after him, we will not only honor his legacy but also inspire future generations of athletes to strive for greatness.

This petition is personal to me because I have personally witnessed how Leo's coaching has transformed the lives of athletes in our community. His dedication, passion, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on their athletic careers and personal growth. It is time for us to come together as a community and show our gratitude by naming the Baldwinsville gymnasium after this exceptional coach.

Let us unite in support of this petition to honor Leo Johnson's remarkable contributions to Baldwinsville, NY. Together, we can ensure that his legacy lives on for generations to come. Sign now and let your voice be heard!