Dean Johnson:  

Won first Capitol Valley Championships (went 12-0) my junior year. Played tennis as soph. Played soccer X 3 years and beyond. Did track as junior and senior--shot put/discus. Had trainer during football (Mr. Burris) who inspired me to become a Physical Therapist. Back Later College GO COUGS Attended American River Community College for general education and graduated with AA. Played soccer in recreation leagues, and CCSL with Kona Gold. Went out of state for next 2 years. Off to Pullman, Wash.--Washington State University. Home of the COUGARS. Major: Physical Education (Physical Therapy Option). Roger Larson was my advisor, friend and inspiration. Stayed on Gannon 6 "Penthouse" the first year, then was at Chief Joseph apartments. Did intramural football, soccer as PE class and other recreational sports classes. Was member of the WSU Frisbee Team and Star Wars Club. Graduated 1978. Spent summer as counselor at Camp WSU/Camp Easter Seal in Idaho to complete graduation credits. Camp for children/adults with disabilities. Best experience in college. Came home, took some extra units here and there. Applied to Physical Therapy schools X 4 years. While waiting for acceptance worked as Physical Therapy Aide at American River Hospital (lots of great experience for application in P.T. school and as profession). Spring of '81 accepted to Univ. of Pittsburgh and Mayo School of Allied Health. Chose Mayo for economic reasons and had family in area. Attended Mayo 1981-1983. Located in Rochester, Minn. Known throughout the world, for research, medical care, and education opportunities. Met many neat people, as classmates and in the community. Opportunity for internship at Univ. of Wisconsin, La Crosse in sports medicine, and observing orthopedic surgery. Graduated Spring '83. Licensed in Minnesota initially, and employed as staff at the Mayo Clinic until fall. Then returned to California, was licensed and became employed at Kaiser Hospital, where I continue as a staff P.T. presently.