by By Dan Ninham
Cade Johnson is a 6-1, 200 lb. junior starting defensive back on the football team at Minnesota State University in Mankato. He is a part of the Lower Sioux Indian Community out of Morton, MN and was raised in nearby Redwood Falls. Cade’s parents are Loren and Maureen Johnson.
Cade Johnson is one person of many on the currently third ranked NCAA DII MSU Mavericks football team. “Some strengths I bring to the team are my ability to fly around the field and lay it all out there for my teammates,” said Cade. “Our team is currently 4-0 this season extending our 28 win streak with conference games. In the last two years, we’ve made it to round three and four of the NCAA DII playoffs finishing both seasons with a 13-1 record.”
“One of the main core values of our tribe is to respect our elders,” said Cade. “Having a good relationship with my grandparents, I’ve had an opportunity to learn about where I come from. My great-great grandfather was Reverend Henry Whipple St. Clair who was one of the first Native American priests. He’s had a huge impact in our community’s core values and influenced my tribal background as a Native American. Our background came from the Episcopal Church. This, in turn, has guided me to be the person I am today.”
Intercollegiate athletics may have positive influences in the direction an athlete chooses to go after college. “I am undecided on where I want to end up in the future. I have many ideas but I know a lot can happen to change someone’s path. I’m going to school double majoring in finance and accounting. Wherever I end up, athletics have helped me develop a number of skills that will help me along the way. These skills include time management, work ethic, teamwork, perseverance, and the ability to develop relationships with lifelong friends,” added Cade.
There are several special people who influence college student athletes in their developmental years and throughout their lives. “My parents, brothers, and each coach I’ve had throughout the years have greatly impacted me as a student-athlete,” said Cade. “My parents not only got me to all my practices and performances, but also would go to the gym with me to rebound for me while I shot. Being the youngest in my family, my brothers passed down their knowledge they developed throughout the years of sports. If it weren’t for my parents and brothers, I wouldn’t have the work ethic and love for sports that I have.”
“Cade has always been interested in playing sports since he was little,” said Mom Maureen Johnson. “He would go out and play for hours. His Dad and I would encourage and play along with him in whatever sports or activities he was participating in at the time. When Cade started playing basketball at the age of nine he worked so hard at dribbling and other skills of the game. That’s probably when we realized his determination and hard work towards athletics. He did whatever it took to get out on that field or court.”
Cade was a successful student athlete in high school. He was a three-sport star and participated in football, basketball, and track. He went to the State Track Meet his junior and senior years. His senior year he competed in four events and came out placing in three and taking home the gold medal in the High Jump.
The qualities of high school academics and athletics transfer to college academics and athletics. “Cade was humble about any accomplishments or awards he received. He showed leadership and dedication to his teammates. Off the field Cade had success in the classroom. He graduated with high honors. He attended class, was respectful and got his schoolwork done,” added Maureen.
The summer before Cade’s senior year he made the decision he wanted to play football in college. He attended some big camps and combines and got his name out there. When the Mankato Mavericks contacted Cade and had him come to Mankato for an official visit his family was very excited.
Cade added: “All of my coaches over the years have affected me positively in a variety of ways. One coach who stands out is my high school Coach Matt Lundeen. He’s been a major influence in who I am as a man due to the emphasis he has on faith. I know I can always rely on him for advice in any aspect of life.”
Coach Matt Lundeen said: “Such an extremely special man, extremely driven, hard worker, extremely coachable, team first, very respectful. I don’t think he ever lost a conditioning drill. When your best player is also your hardest worker that is special. Everything you would want and hope for in a player. Absolutely love him as a person.”
“Cade has consistently been a phenomenal presence whether he is at nickel or safety for us,” said Lavell Jackson, MSU Mavericks Defensive Backs Coach. “He is physical and aggressive as well as a smart guy who makes plays when they matter most.”
“Cade is always a guy who I have a great relationship off and on the field. Constant communication whether we are laughing and joking or getting the X’s and O’s structured. Cade is just an all around phenomenal young man,” added Coach Jackson.
“We have enjoyed watching Cade as a Maverick,” said Maureen. “He uses the same determination and hard work playing college football. Cade has never complained or blamed others for any shortcomings in athletics or academics. He has always worked hard to get where he has gotten and his Dad and I are so proud of him.”
Photo use provided by MSU Reporter.
In honor of the people – st. clair family: http://www.inhonorofthepeople.org/people/st-clair-family
Check out Cade Johnson’s football profile here: https://msumavericks.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8675
and the team schedule here:
