Kingsburg, Bray soar through Taft Nov 27, 2008
Bray was as impressive as the appearance of refurbished Kingsburg High School Bowl, and it is a beauty, indeed, following a recent $6 million facelift that surely makes graduate and former Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson proud. Everything's new -- grass, bleachers, all-weather track, plaza and Hall of Fame wall that will soon occupy the names of such former greats as Johnson, Monte Clark and Jimmy Johnson. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Hall of Fame forecast Nov 6, 2008
We've cheered Tom Seaver and Rex Hudler on the diamond, Daryle Lamonica and Henry Ellard on the gridiron, Rafer Johnson and Dutch Warmerdam on the track, Young Corbett and Gabe Terronez in the ring, the Vukoviches and Art Pombo on the racing oval. We've watched Bulldogs galore, from Dale Messer to Pete Beiden to Jerry Heard to Rod Higgins to Doug Fraley. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
For the record Sep 2, 2008
In fact, Harold Osborn, Jim Bausch, Glenn Morris, Bob Mathias, Milt Campbell, Rafer Johnson and Bill Toomey won Olympic gold medals for the U.S. in the decathlon. The Union-Tribune regrets the error. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Clay wins gold in Olympic decathlon Aug 23, 2008
BEIJING - In the mind's eye, they are now as they were then, in Rome in 1960, Rafer Johnson and C.K. Yang, the American and his very good friend from Taiwan, Johnson somehow summoning the will to prevail in the decathlon, the all-around test that remains the Olympic measure of a man. There, too, is Bruce Jenner in 1976 in Montreal, the all-American icon waving the Stars and Stripes in triumph in the Bicentennial year. (MSNBC -- Sports)
World's greatest athlete takes back seat to Bolt Aug 23, 2008
Winners such as Rafer Johnson and Bruce Jenner, the latter of whom famously appeared on a Wheaties box following his win in Montreal in 1976, became superstars. These days, the decathlon winner is largely an afterthought, which means Clay is unlikely to get anywhere near the same adulation and financial opportunities. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
There's Thorpe, Mathias, Jenner - and now Clay Aug 23, 2008
Call him the World's Greatest All-Around Athlete instead and add his name to a roll call of such decathlon legends as Jim Thorpe, Bob Mathias, Rafer Johnson, Bruce Jenner and Dan O'Brien - American winners of all. "This has been an absolutely amazing journey, something we've (he and his coaches) been working hard for the last eight years," said Clay, the 2004 Olympic silver medalist. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Celizic: Don't expect U.S. dominance in track and field Aug 17, 2008
Decathlon champions were national heroes, and anyone whos gotten past 55 years of age remembers Bob Mathias, Rafer Johnson and Bruce Jenner. But try to find one person in the checkout line at your local 7-Eleven who knows that the current record-holder in the event is Roman Sebrle of the Czech Republic. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Gymnastics matters ... every four years Aug 15, 2008
Whereas once track and field seemed to provide the majority of timeless Olympic moments think of Jesse Owens in Berlin, or Rafer Johnson in Rome gymnastics has leapt ahead. Olga Korbut's grin and mind-numbing flexibility was an iconic moment of the 1972 Olympics (along with Mark Spitz' seven gold medals), Nadia Comaneci all of 14 earned the first perfect 10 from judges in Montreal (where the scoreboards didnt even go up that high), and Mary Lou Retton captured the hearts of... (MSNBC -- Politics)
Leaders & Success Aug 10, 2008
In 2006, O'Brien was inducted into the National Track Hall of Fame in New York City, joining former decathlon greats Jenner, Rafer Johnson, Bob Mathias and Jim Thorpe. He didn't grasp the honor right away, but he sure does now. (Investors Business Daily)
May-Treanor, Walsh still sandblasting volleyball foes Aug 5, 2008
Their role models in this regard are AVP pros Jenny Johnson Jordan, the daughter of former Olympic decathlon champion Rafer Johnson, and Annett Davis, who have twice resumed their careers after having children. "It would be great to be like Jenny and Annett," May-Treanor says. (USA Today -- Sports)
Lewis, Jenner and Johnson to kick off event Jun 24, 2008
Nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis along with winners of the Olympic gold medal in the decathlon, Bruce Jenner and Rafer Johnson will officially kick off the Eugene '08 Youth Day presented by Hershey's Track Games on July 1st in Eugene. According to a media release from the USA Track , the Hershey's Track Games will inspire youth athletes to achieve their dreams and give them an opportunity to learn from these track and field stars during the Eugene '08 Youth Day Clinics. (eDuck.com)
USA men's water polo team to play local exhibition (1) Jun 16, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008 Edition. " "Schroeder's a great coach," added Moses, who played under Schroeder as a member of Pepperdine's 1997 national championship team. "He's been through it all. (Malibu Times, CA)
True Blue Celebration Another Success Jun 10, 2008
There were also several former and current players in attendance during the silent auction and dinner, including 1977 NCAA men's basketball player of the year Marques Johnson, 1960 Olympic gold medal winner Rafer Johnson, two-time Super Bowl champion safety James Washington, Hall of Fame football coach Terry Donahue, NCAA champion basketball stars Mike Warren, Lynn Shackelford and Lucius Allen and quarterbacks Cade McNown, Wayne Cook, David Norrie and. Also in attendance were coaches and... (Uclabruins.com)
The kinder, safer world we were promised Jun 8, 2008
We watched for celebrities like decathlete Rafer Johnson and football pro Rosey Grier. In the lobby of the hotel we ate hors d'oeuvres, drank sodas and waited. (Daily Triplicate)
Watch this: TV’s changing our reality Jun 1, 2008
Homage to a small townThe latest issue of Sports Illustrated has a long piece about the 1960 Rome Olympics that contains a depiction of decathlon champion Rafer Johnson growing up in Kingsburg. It includes this comment by Johnson:"The parents would build the fields and drive young people back and forth to different competitions. They were the coaches. It was a wonderful community for young people." The columnist can be reached at or (559) 441-6279. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
First to 100 Trivia - The Complete Quiz May 2, 2008
A. Rafer Johnson B. C.K. Yang C. Ducky Drake. 25. (Uclabruins.com)
Joyner-Kersee, Enquist Headline Wooden Academy Event Apr 11, 2008
Rafer Johnson, a former UCLA track and field great and Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon, was also in attendance last night. The Wooden Academy officially kicked off in the fall of 2007 with Coach John Wooden and Anne Meyers. (Uclabruins.com)
Dons Set To Compete In Jackie Joyner Kersee ahd Johnny Mathis Invitationals This Weekend Apr 11, 2008
The University of San Francisco Track and Field teams will send split squads this weekend to the Rafer Johnson/ Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational hosted by UCLA and the Johnny Mathis Invitational, hosted by San Francisco State ... For a complete schedule of the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner Invitational and the Johnny Mathis Invitational, please click on the links above. (Usfdons.com)
Bruin Track & Field Set To Host Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational Apr 10, 2008
Bruin Track Set To Host Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational - Elite level of competitors to come to Westwood; Over 1300 athletes and 30 schools entered ... Bruin Track Set To Host Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner Kersee Invitational ... The UCLA track and field teams will welcome over 1300 athletes and 30 schools, as well as numerous track clubs and world class competitors this Thursday through Saturday as they host the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational at Drake Stadium. (Uclabruins.com)
2008 True Blue Celebration Set for June 7 Mar 25, 2008
This event will host 1,000 Bruins ranging from our championship coaches, student-athletes, Bruin athlete alumni like Troy Aikman and Michael Warren, Kenny Washington, Rafer Johnson, as well as the very best of our Bruin Fans. This event is being held to raise money for all programs within UCLA Athletics. (Uclabruins.com)
Continue reading Mar 19, 2008
Ronald Regan Elementary and Rafer Johnson Junior High are located in residential neighborhoods, and while Washington and Lincoln schools may be more ideally located, they don't have adequate parking -- a problem with all the schools but the high school. The idea of shooting off the fireworks from the KHS baseball field while the audience sat in the large grassy parking area was explored with the high school staff, but there is a chance that those areas could be used for storing construction... (Kingsburg Recorder, CA)
UCLA to Reward Championship Athletes Mar 15, 2008
Championship # Team Representative 5 1956 Men's Track Rafer Johnson 21 1971 Men's Volleyball Ed Machado 31 1974 Men's Volleyball Bob Leonard III 68 1992 Softball 74 1996 Men's Water Polo Sam Grayeli 87 2002 Men's Soccer 92 2004 Women's Golf. Saturday, October 6 FB vs. Notre Dame. (Uclabruins.com)
Coach's footprint unmistakable Feb 20, 2008
Fresno and the Valley have a long and glittering history of track and field successes, from Cornelius "Dutch" Warmerdam to Bob Mathias, from Rafer Johnson to Tommie Smith. For many years the West Coast Relays were a world-class event, drawing the finest track and field athletes from around the globe to Ratcliffe Stadium. (Fresno Bee)
K.J. to Receive Sports Ledgends Honor Feb 14, 2008
Headed by co-chairmen Bob Seagren and Gary Stevens, the Sports Council includes former Sports Legends Award winners Pepper Davis, Jim Hill, Rafer Johnson, Jim Knaub, Jack Kramer, Ann Meyers Drysdale, Joe Morgan, Don Newcombe, Bill Sharman, Al Unser, Rogie Vachon, Jamaal Wilkes and John R. Wooden. "The 2008 class of Sports Legends are superstar athletes who continue to display the heart of a champion," said Catherine Lepone, executive director of The Paralysis Project of America. (Calbears.com)
"Night of Champions' includes Olympic champs Feb 2, 2008
Decathlete Rafer Johnson, along with Olympic winners Craig Lincoln, Frank Gorman and Reynaldo Brown, helped honor three winners from the Tri Valley Special Olympics, along with paying tribute to the incoming Board members of the chamber. The Tri Valley Special Olympics champions were Sherina Assomull, who particpates in gymnastics, swimming and golf; Mindy Zazanis, who competes in golf, gymnastics and bowling; and, Kristine Johnson, who specializes in gymnastics, along with golf, swimming and... (Los Angeles Daily News)
Bledsoe never put winning before his respect for others Feb 1, 2008
"Wrestling's pain and gainNo sports fan in the Valley has more reason to be torn emotionally than the one pledging allegiance to wrestling.Consider the view: The Central Section ripping through the state on the mat -- the Valley's greatest venue of high school success ever.With all respect to Dutch Warmerdam, Rafer Johnson, Bob Mathias and all those track and field greats harvested on this soil, no sport has experienced a greater lineage of success on the state level than wrestling with 13 team... (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Patriots' Tom Brady makes being a superstar QB look almost routine, selected AP male athlete Dec 22, 2007
1960 Rafer Johnson, track. 1959 Ingemar Johansson, boxing. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Karl Dorrell may not be the right coach for UCLA, but he deserves a job somewhere. Nov 29, 2007
There was Jackie Robinson in his baseball jersey, Arthur Ashe with his tennis racket, Rafer Johnson holding a torch. "My voice is cracking right now because I'm telling you how important this is," Dorrell said. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NCAA Football)
Sprinter Calvin Smith, 4 others selected to track and field's Hall of Fame Nov 22, 2007
Among his pupils were Rafer Johnson, who won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, edging teammate C.K Yang. Drake died in 1988. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
5 athletes inducted into US Track and Field Hall of Fame Nov 21, 2007
Honorees also included nine-time US heptathlon champion Jane Frederick, two-time Olympic shot put runner-up George Woods and coach Elmer Drake, whose pupils included Olympic decathlon champion Rafer Johnson. Induction by USA Track and Field will be staged December 1 in Honolulu at the group's annual meeting. (Xinhuanet, China)
The great unknown Sep 1, 2007
He follows in the footsteps of Rafer Johnson, Bruce Jenner and Dan O'Brien, yet Clay knows he's nowhere near as well known, or appreciated, as they were. Maybe it's the decline in interest in the sport in general, and the decathlon specifically, in the United States, he said. (Albany Times Union)
Two former Salukis announced as finalists for the National Track & Field Hall of Fame Aug 25, 2007
Individuals Coached: Hall of Famer Rafer Johnson (Olympic Gold 1960 Decathlon). Olympic Medalists Cy Young, C.K. Yang, Craig Dixon, George Roubanis. (Siusalukis.com)
Vitela places 5th at North American Track & Field meet Aug 15, 2007
Olympic Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson served as Grand Marshal for the meet. Renowned Olympians such as Bruce Jenner, Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Bershawn Jackson, Derek Brew, Monique Henderson, Bruny Surin, Moushaumi Robinson, Hazel Clark, Derek Brew and Terrence Trammell, as well as World Champions such as Mikele Barber, Dwight Phillips, and Tiffany Williams, mentored and inspired the athletes. (Boerne Star, TX)
Family recalls Olympian Jun 4, 2007
1960, Rome, Italy Rafer Johnson, decathlon. 1964, Tokyo, Japan William Parry O'Brien, track and field. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
UCLA hits 100 May 16, 2007
Among the athletes who have said "yes" to UCLA over the years were youngsters who would become some of the most famous athletes of the 20th century: Jackie Robinson, Arthur Ashe, Rafer Johnson, Lew Alcindor (who later became Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Bill Walton and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Lower-profile athletes and sports fueled the march to 100, however. (USA Today -- Sports)
Track & Field Apr 29, 2007
- Track And Field Concludes Successful Competition At California Collegiate Challenge - Track And Field Posts Four NCAA Regional Marks At California Collegiate Challenge - World Class Athletes Set To Compete At 12th Annual Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational - Track And Field Produces Eight Winners At Final Day Of Triton Invitational - Women Throwers Perform Well On First Day Of Triton Invitational - Stanford Throwers Compete At Mt. Sac Relays - Stanford Men And Women Sweep Big Meet - Stanford... (Gostanford.com)
No. 9/11 Women's Track Hosts RJ/JJK Invite Thursday through Saturday Apr 13, 2007
Rafer Johnson and Jackie Joyner-Kersee ... and the No. 9/11 women's track and field team will host the fifth annual Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational this Thursday through Saturday at Drake Stadium as over 1000 athletes and over 25 universities are slated to compete ... The namesakes of the meet, Rafer Johnson and Jackie Joyner-Kersee will be in attendance on Saturday as they are honored during the invitational section of the meet. (Uclabruins.com)
RJ/JJK Invitational Meet Information and Event Schedule Now Online Mar 9, 2007
Rafer Johnson and Jackie Joyner Kersee ... Meet information and the meet schedule for the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational are now online ... The invitational sections will be held on Saturday, with a special ceremony honoring the meet's namesakes - Rafer Johnson and Jackie Joyner Kersee. (Uclabruins.com)
Scully receives John Wooden Award Mar 1, 2007
Headed by chairman Bob Seagren, the Sports Council includes former Sports Legends Award winners Pepper David, Jim Him, Rafer Johnson, Jim Knaub, Jack Kramer, Ann Meyers-Drysdale, Joe Morgan, Don Newcombe, Bill Sharman, Gary Stevens, Al Unser, Rogie Vachon, Jamaal Wilkes and John R. Wooden. Related Stories. (Los Angeles, TheInsiders.com)
Winfield honored for charity work Feb 27, 2007
" Sports Legends Awards honorees are selected annually for their contributions to sports by the Paralysis Project of America's Business and Sports Councils. Headed by chairman and former Olympic gold medalist Bob Seagren, the Sports Council includes former Sports Legends Award winners Pepper Davis, Jim Hill, Rafer Johnson, Jim Knaub, Jack Kramer, Ann Meyers-Drysdale, Joe Morgan, Don Newcombe, Bill Sharman, Gary Stevens, Al Unser, Rogie Vachon, Jamaal Wilkes and legendary college basketball coach... (MLB.com -- San Diego Padres)
Cobi Jones To Be Honored With Sports Legends Award Feb 22, 2007
Headed by chairman Bob Seagren, the Sports Council includes former Sports Legends Award winners Pepper Davis, Jim Hill, Rafer Johnson, Jim Knaub, Jack Kramer, Ann Meyers-Drysdale, Joe Morgan, Don Newcombe, Bill Sharman, Gary Stevens, Al Unser, Rogie Vachon, Jamaal Wilkes and John R. Wooden. "It is truly humbling when legendary sports superstars like this year's honorees are so generous with their time in bringing awareness to the serious need for spinal cord research," says Catherine Lepone,... (Uclabruins.com)
LOCAL SCENE: NASCAR now on the cheating curve Feb 19, 2007
And among those who paid tribute was a former teammate and fellow competitor, Rafer Johnson. Johnson, who grew up in Kingsburg, staged a dramatic battle with Yang, his UCLA track and field pal, in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Texas Sports Hall of Fame inducts Cooper & Moon Feb 16, 2007
-- RAFER JOHNSON. As a freshman at UCLA in 1954, the Hillsboro native broke the decathlon world record. Johnson won the decathlon at the 1955 Pan American Games in Mexico, then won the silver medal at the 1956 Olympics and a gold at the 1960 Olympics. (KHOU.com, TX)
* Taiwan Quick Take Feb 5, 2007
Rafer Johnson, a US athlete who trained with Yang and won the gold medal in the decathlon in Rome also attended the funeral and recalled his five-decade friendship with Yang. Politics Yu urges DPP debate Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Yu Shyi-kun said yesterday that the party should hold open debates among its members ON whether a "one China" framework exists in the Constitution. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Yang, Taiwan Olympian and former UCLA star, buried in Ventura Feb 4, 2007
Yang (Yang Chuan-kwang) took the silver medal in the Rome Olympics, with Bruins teammate Rafer Johnson winning the gold. Yang's Olympic medal was the first for Taiwan. (Santa Maria Times)
C.K. Yang, 74; decathlete won Taiwan's 1st Olympic medal at 1960 Rome Games Jan 30, 2007
By Lisa Dillman, Times Staff Writer January 30, 2007 Decathlete C.K. Yang, who won the first Olympic medal for his native Taiwan after a drama-filled duel with UCLA teammate and eventual gold medal winner Rafer Johnson at the 1960 Games in Rome, has died ... " Basketball fans at Pauley Pavilion remembered seeing Johnson and Yang sitting together at games after the facility opened in 1965. And Johnson was with Yang in his final days, visiting Yang in the hospital last week after his stroke.Born... (Los Angeles Times)
Lasorda Inducted in So. California HOF Jan 29, 2007
Lasorda was inducted along with Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Eric Dickerson, Rafer Johnson, Jackie Joyner Kersee, Tom Flores, Marcus Allen, Reggie Jackson, Deacon Jones, Elgin Baylor, Chick Hearn, Bill Walsh, Jackie Robinson, Bob Mathias, Wilt Chamberlain, John Wooden, Kellen Winslow, Magic Johnson and Jim Plunkett. The longtime Dodger manager, who is entering his 58th season in the Dodger organization, was inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997 and also holds plaques in the... (Los Angeles, TheInsiders.com)
* Olympic hero Yang dies after suffering a stroke Jan 29, 2007
Dubbed the "Iron man of Asia," Yang took silver six years later at the Rome Olympics after a duel with his UCLA schoolmate, Rafer Johnson of the US.. It was the first Olympic medal Taiwan had ever won. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
National briefs Jan 29, 2007
Yang (Yang Chuan-kwang) took the silver medal in the Rome Olympics, with Bruins teammate Rafer Johnson winning the gold. Yang s Olympic medal was the first for Taiwan. (Helena Independent Record)
Former Bruin and Sportsman of the Year, C.K. Yang, Passes Away Jan 29, 2007
In 1960, Yang took silver at the Rome Olympics after a duel with his UCLA schoolmate Rafer Johnson of the United States ... "C.K. was obviously a great friend and I know UCLA has lost a great student-athlete," said Rafer Johnson, former teammate of Yang. (Uclabruins.com)
Lincoln wrestlers get past Rafer Jan 25, 2007
LEE NEWSPAPERS / Gary Feinstein Javier Gasca of Kingsburg's Rafer Johnson closes in on an apparent pin of Abraham Lincoln's Issac Delgado in the 88-pound match during a dual match between the two schools on Thursday in Selma ... The Eagles, coached by Onesimo Lopez, defeated Rafer Johnson of Kingsburg 66-36 on Thursday, and took third place on Saturday at the John Muir Invitational in Corcoran. (Selma Enterprise, CA)
2007 UCLA Men's Track & Field Season Preview Jan 3, 2007
" SPRINTS - HURDLES - RELAYS UCLA is poised to return to its glory years of sprinting with a great combination of experience, talent and youth. This group is led by senior hurdler Brandon Johnson, who missed the last two months of the 2006 season after suffering a hamstring injury at the Rafer Johnson/ Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational. Johnson is the go-to person for this team because of his versatility and drive to win and his ability to compete at a high level. While rehabilitating his injury... (Uclabruins.com)
