Now One of the Top Football Coaches in the State, a Carroll Athletic Giant Returns Home
By Robert Halliman
Upon entering Dragon Stadium for the very first time thisbrSeptember, Dane Johnson quickly noticed that his alma mater's new home field wasbrsolely dedicated to football.
“It's incredible,” said the 1994 SouthlakebrCarroll graduate. “I just love how the home-side structure sits, and I likebrthat there is no track. Everything is right here — the fans and the team are abrlot closer together.”
One of Carroll's most decoratedbrathletes, “Great Dane” Johnson earned three state championship rings during hisbrdays as a Dragon. Two of them came from football during back-to-back undefeatedbrseasons (1992 and 1993) where he was named a first team all-state running backbrand defensive back. His third ring came as a starting guard for the basketballbrteam during the 1992–1993 season. A well-rounded athlete, Johnson was abrfour-sport letterman who also excelled in baseball and track.
After perfecting his craft as anbrall-conference safety at Texas Tech University, the self-proclaimed “coach'sbrkid” returned to Texas high school football. Considered one of the top youngbrcoaches in the state, he assumed the role of head coach at Flower Mound HighbrSchool in 2012. Soon after making the move, he was called back to his Southlakebrroots, this time as a member of the 2013 class of the Carroll Athletic Hall ofbrHonor along with former teammate and retired Houston Texans kicker Kris Brown.
“I think it's a wonderful way tobrkeep the tradition going,” Johnson said of the efforts made by AthleticbrDirector Kevin Ozee and others to create the Hall of Honor. “Recognizing thebrtalent of that year but at the same time connecting to the past, it's a strokebrof genius and a great accomplishment for the school. I know the names of thosebrcoming next, and most of them will be in the NFL. I didn't make that, so it isbran honor to be part of it all.”
When it comes to the possibility ofbrcoaching against his former high school, Johnson said it's not likely unless itbroccurs in the playoffs.
“If I'm coaching against Southlake,brthat means we had a very successful season, and that would be great,” he said.br“Every job I've ever had, everyone looks up to Southlake's model. With all thebrgreat achievements, I see why people want to be like that. The kids and thebrtown take pride in being successful — it's great to see your alma mater doingbrwell.”
Robert Halliman is a senior journalism major and political science minor at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Penn. A 2010 Carroll Senior High graduate, Robert played defensive tackle for coach Hal Wasson from 2007–2010. An aspiring sports agent and media personality, Robert is also a member of the Lehigh University Business Careers and Entertainment Club.