ToquiNotes: One of Our Own being Recognized with One of State's Most Prestigious Journalism Awards
By Jeff Toquinto on March 13, 2021
It is not often that you will find myself bragging in this blog. And when it comes to bragging about anything yours truly has done, that trend will continue – and probably safely into the future.
However, there is something I want to brag about that at least I am connected with. As you will see on various media outlets this morning, my good friend and co-worker Chris Johnson was named the 2021 recipient of the Gene Morehouse Award for his contributions to journalism
.
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The honor is given annually in memory of Morehouse by a vote of the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. Morehouse, for those that may not know, was a broadcast journalist and Marshall University sports information director killed in the 1970 plane crash that claimed the lives of 75 Marshall football players, coaches, and fans.
Let me assure you, and I am going to spell out the case, Chris Johnson deserves this award. And I am glad he is on our team and hope the community appreciates him as much as those who – and have in the past – work with him.
Although several years younger than yours truly, Johnson is entrenched in the state journalism world. Although he is not just a sportswriter for Connect-Bridgeport, it is the 1991 graduate of Philip Barbour High School’s specialty – and he is brilliant at it. And to be perfectly honest, he is taken to news and feature writing in his new gig with a pretty smooth transition.
I should not be surprised. After all, the 1997 Marshall University graduate has been plying his trade now for about a quarter of a century, starting at the student newspaper in Huntington The Parthenon, where he was sports editor for three stints, as well as stints as editor and managing editor. During that time, he served as a stringer for USA Today covering Marshall.
From there, he began his career. The year of graduation he was a sportswriter for the Parkersburg News and Sentinel where he assumed the duties of assistant sports editor and then sports editor. There were two pit stops after that – as a copy editor at The Dominion Post and a short stint as sports editor at Buckhannon’s The Record Delta.
It was after that stint where many in the area got to know Chris Johnson on a regular basis. From 2003 until into 2017, Chris worked as
a
ssistant sports editor and then sports editor of The Exponent Telegram. By this time, he was not only established in the business, but largely respected and a leader in the profession.
ssistant sports editor and then sports editor of The Exponent Telegram. By this time, he was not only established in the business, but largely respected and a leader in the profession.
During that quarter of a century, he won practically every type of honor you could win from the West Virginia Press Association. But there is much more.
Four times, he has served as the president of the WVSWA. He was chairman of the boys’ basketball all-state committee from 2006 until 2019, football chair since 2011 and still going strong, and the same for girls’ basketball where he has headed things since 2016.
During his time with football, he was heavily involved in the creation of several new individual awards such as the J.R. House Award for the state’s top quarterback and the Joe Stydahar Award, which goes to the state’s top lineman and is named in honor of the former NFL great and Shinnston High standout. He is most proud, however, of helping create the Doug Huff Award. Huff is the state’s most legendary writer and as humble as they come.
It took someone like Chris Johnson to have the foresight to create the honor that came with the blessing of the entire organization. The award goes to someone exhibiting a strong work ethic or overcoming adversity.
“The award is named after a friend, a mentor that never asks for credit but deserves more than he will ever know,” said Johnson.
As for a few other memorable moments on the all-state sports stage, Johnson easily can point out two in particular.
In 2013, Emily Knight (former Lincoln standout) was named first-team all-state as a kicker. Johnson said she was not recognized for being female but was a kicker that deserved it. It was the first time ever a female got on an all-state football team.
“Pretty cool for us to put a girl on first-team all-state football,” said Johnson of Knight more than earning it.
The other was a bit more tragic, but equally important. In 2019, Roane County's Alex Miller, who died on the sidelines, was named an honorary first-team all-state player.
When you care, people notice. Chris Johnson has a legacy of caring going back decades and those in the profession know it. And they have spoken to that by honoring Johnson with the Morehouse Award.
“Anytime you are recognized by your peers it is a tremendous honor. I know this award means a lot to everybody who has previously won it. I think for those of us that went to school at Marshall or worked covering Thundering Herd athletics, it means even more because we 
know how important the name Gene Morehouse is to that school, the city of Huntington and the entire state,” said Johnson. “I am truly honored and humbled to receive the Morehouse Award.”
know how important the name Gene Morehouse is to that school, the city of Huntington and the entire state,” said Johnson. “I am truly honored and humbled to receive the Morehouse Award.”
I am humbled to work with him. When he showed interest in joining our staff after leaving the media industry as a fulltime gig in 2017, I was surprised he wanted back in the game. I am glad he is back in.
Already, he has shown a willingness to learn, do what it takes, and be a team player. None of that surprises me in the least. Even better, his only real concern was whether he could stay on as chairs of various all-state committees – not that there was ever a concern about that happening.
Certainly, Chris Johnson deserves the recognition. He deserves the honor. And lastly, he deserves respect.
Not because his position calls for it. Rather, because he has earned it.
Well done my friend. A post-pandemic drink is on me.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Chris Johnson, center, working at a state basketball tournament in past years, while he's shown presenting BHS alumn McKenna Smith with an honor from the West Virginia State Sports Writers Association at their annual banquet in the second photo.In the third photo, he interviews John Cole following a BHS football game and is shown interviewing BHS swimmer Randy Keener in the next photo. Bottom photo shows Johnson with Travis Jones, left, and Chris George, middle, prior to a Indians football contest.
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