Smiling From Above
Oct 8, 2020 | Football, General
NEW ORLEANS – Mike Johnston, better known as “Big Mike", defined what it meant to be a Tulane fan.
He was loud, proud and maybe even a little brash, but it was his loyalty to his alma mater that truly rallied the Green Wave fan base.
This past September, Johnston passed away.
“Other than his family, Mike cared about Tulane more than anything,” Tulane Director of Athletics Troy Dannen said. “He became a great friend, because he wasn’t looking for anything in return. He cared about the coaches, he cared about the student-athletes, he cared about the university and really all he asked in return was to just be a part of it and to remain connected to his alma mater.”
Although Johnston is gone, his legacy surrounding Tulane Athletics will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Dannen made sure of that.
This #WinSurfing is dedicated to Big Mike #RollWave pic.twitter.com/DttVwDOqRR
— Tulane University Football (@GreenWaveFB) September 26, 2020
“He became a great friend, because he wasn’t looking for anything in return. He cared about the coaches, he cared about the student-athletes, he cared about the university and really all he asked in return was to just be a part of it and to remain connected to his alma mater.”TROY DANNEN, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Following the Green Wave’s convincing 66-24 victory over Southern Miss, Dannen announced to the football team in the locker room that the department would recognize Johnston with an honorary game ball.
“Southern Miss is a great rival of ours and that win was going to mean as much to them [the Johnston family] as any win we could possibly have this season,” Dannen said.
Tulane rarely gives out game balls following games, but this game ball decision was no-brainer, especially following Tulane’s victory over a long-time rival like Southern Miss.
“I know the family has been appreciative of what Tulane has done since Mike’s passing, but Tulane’s appreciative for what Mike did for us for all those years,” Dannen said. “He was there for us and this was one small way that we could be there for the family.”
.@TUGreenbackers' Mike Johnston made it to Hattiesburg today. Brought a smile to my face. pic.twitter.com/Y6V4wS6IO9
— Joseph Halm (@JosephHalm) September 26, 2020
The game ball presentation in the locker room was equally meaningful to the Green Wave football staff that valued the Johnston’s support over the years.
“He meant a ton to the whole athletic department,” Tulane head coach Willie Fritz said. “Mike was loyal to every single sport. Totally loyal to Tulane. I met Mike as soon as I took the job and he was nothing but supportive. In good times, bad times and you could always count on seeing him. We just appreciate Mike and his family and everything they’ve done for our program. Mike is going to be missed.”
"I thought that was a very nice surprise for Mike’s family,” Greenbacker member Kenny Kuhn said. “Mike truly was the life of the club. I had known Mike for 40 years and I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with him over the years. He had a very warm personality and he just enjoyed life.”
For more than a quarter century, Johnston served as the president of the Greenbackers a group of individuals committed to supporting Tulane Athletics.
“Mike was one of the first people that I met here,” Tulane women’s basketball head coach Lisa Stockton said. “His loyalty over the years is just unprecedented. He was always so supportive of all of our programs, but I personally felt like he was always there for us. At a time when we were fundraising, he was there.”
No matter the sport, no matter the time, Johnston made sure the Greenbackers were there to support all Tulane teams both on and off the field.
“You got the sense real quick that this guy is a supporter,” Tulane baseball head coach Travis Jewett said. “He was somebody that was into it for the support of the university and athletic program than just for the wins and losses. You would never look up at some event where he wasn’t present. He’ll always have a soft spot in my heart because he welcomed me in to only the Greenbackers, but also the Tulane family.”
As Tulane gets ready for another nationally-televised game against Houston, it’s a safe bet that “Big Mike” will be watching and smiling from above.
