If there’s anything in the world that can both unite and divide the Region more than sports, it’s yet to be discovered. The community of Northwest Indiana supports its local teams at all levels, whether that be high school athletics or national-level competitions. On Wednesday, January 11, the Gary Old Timers Athletic Association hosted almost 900 people at its 76th Annual Banquet to celebrate the passion and camaraderie that grew from the Region’s love of competition.
People from throughout Northwest Indiana involved in all aspects of the sports world met at the Avalon Manor to honor Eugene Johnson, West Side Leadership Academy’s longtime coach for football, wrestling, basketball, and track. Johnson began his athletic journey with track and football during his high school days in Pennsylvania. From there, he moved to Gary and began teaching at West Side in 1968 and founded the football team.
“They’ve already reached a level of success having gone on into the NFL and all other things,” said Johnson.
Several of the athletes Johnson instructed in high school have gone on to perform at a national level, including NFL players Jason Johnson and his son JonVea Johnson, Lonnie Johnson, Jr., and Brandon Moore. Throughout his over five decades coaching at West Side, Johnson has mentored over 10,000 youth athletes. He was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and was recognized as Track Coach of the Year by the Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches in 2014.
It’s no surprise that Johnson was chosen as this year’s guest of honor. According to Board President of the Gary Old Timers Andy Maletta, Johnson embodies what it means to support athletics in Northwest Indiana.
“Every year, we try to honor somebody who has had an impact in Northwest Indiana on the youth,” said Maletta. “We always try to find somebody local for those honors, and Gene has had an impact on the sports community here in Northwest Indiana. We're primarily blue-collar, hard-working folks, and we find a lot of relief and enjoyment through sports, especially our high school sports. It's just the fabric of Northwest Indiana.”
In addition to words from Johnson, NBC 5 Chicago Sportscaster Jeff Blanzy returned as emcee. The banquet also featured a performance of smart, blue-collar humor by comedian and actor Rocky LaPorte and a speech from Merrillville native and former Chicago pitcher Jeffrey “Shark” Samardzija.
Samardzija played for the Cubs beginning in 2008 until 2014. From there, he spent a season playing for the Oakland Athletics before returning to Chicago for a season with the White Sox in 2016. He finished his latest baseball stint with the San Francisco Giants in 2020. As a Region native, he understands how the sports culture can be formative for young athletes.
“Eugene Johnson has truly been an inspiration to the community and his athletes. Athletes all over the Region want to play for him because of his legacy. Every athlete that came from Gene’s coaching style was not only disciplined, but also professional,” Samardzija said.
It’s clear to see how athletics bring the Region together, and the Gary Old Timers continue to provide a space for the community to come together over their passion for competition. Planning for next year’s banquet is already underway, and it’s sure to be just as big a success as tonight was.