Hobart and William Smith Colleges Athletics

A history major, Arthur F. Johnson was an exceptional lacrosse goalie and a dominating lineman in football. Nicknamed “Mountain Man,” he filled the cage with 290 pounds the Geneva Daily Times called, “…an impenetrable bulwark in the nets.” Johnson was the first Statesman to earn first-team All-American honors twice. During his junior season, he sandwiched a 22-save showing against Cornell and a 17-save performance at Syracuse around his first collegiate win, a 7-6 overtime triumph against Union. As a senior, Johnson led Hobart to a 5-2 record, with both losses coming at the hands of the Orange.

Following graduation, Johnson played for the 1935 All-American lacrosse team that won the Lally Trophy in the International Box Lacrosse Series. Two years later, he was an invited addition to the All-American lacrosse team that toured England and captured the Flannery Cup.

When his lacrosse playing days came to an end, Johnson went on to work for Alco Products, as well as the Town of Skaneateles, N.Y., Department of Public Works and Zoning Office.

In 1983, Johnson was recognized for his outstanding contributions to Hobart Athletics and the Statesmen Athletic Association with the Statesmen Award. He has been honored in Skaneateles for his instrumental role in the formation of the youth lacrosse program there. The lacrosse boosters award an annual trophy in his name to the outstanding high school athlete.

Johnson died in 1986.