Rich Johns Inducted as 2018 Trailblazer

SUNY Adirondack Athletics has always produced distinguished alumni that make a tangible difference in the community and one of our own was honored by the SUNY Adirondack Foundation this week as further evidence of their impact.

Rich Johns was inducted into the Trailblazers Society's inaugural class for his exceptional work and service over his lifetime. Johns taught and coached tennis at Saratoga Springs High School for 38 years, impacting the minds of young students and student-athletes in immeasurable ways over his career. On the courts he led his teams to massive success as they won 17 league titles, 9 sectional titles and went 107-2. 

He doesn't focus on the wins, although it would be easy to. His passion and purpose in life is character development and making a positive impact on the lives of young people. He followed that passion by founding a character development organization, Act With Respect Always, that teaches life lessons to student-athletes. 

Johns was inducted into the SUNY Adirondack Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013 after being a very successful tennis student-athlete in the late 1960's. He was named the Male Athlete of the Year at SUNY Adirondack in 1968-69 after winning Region III tennis singles and placing 2nd in doubles. 

Congratulations to Rich!