Manhattan College is throwing a retirement dinner to honor John "Doc" Johnson, who dedicated 56 years of his life to Manhattan College and Manhattan Athletes. For information on how to attend this event, and to download a order form that can be printed out and mailed,
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A graduate of the Swedish Institute of Physiotherapy in 1937, "Doc" Johnson spent time as a therapist for the Air Force and an athletic trainer for the Navy's pre-flight schools in Ottumwa, Iowa, before coming to Riverdale. The Cresskill, New Jersey resident, is also the long-time trainer of the New York Giants of the National Football League.
Johnson's work and manner have not gone unnoticed at Manhattan. He was conferred with the Diploma of Benefactor by the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1983 and was elected to the Manhattan College Hall of Fame in 1982.
In 1990, "Doc" was given the Distinguished Service Award by the Manhattan College physical education department. In 1997, he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and in 1998, the American College of Sports Medicine gave him a similar award. The National Invitational Tournament/Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association honored him in 2000 with its Distinguished Service Award.
In addition, both Manhattan College men's and women's basketball teams honor their most valuable player with the John Johnson Award each season.
