Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - Page updated at 12:00 AM
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
Times High School Boys Star of the Year | O'Dea's Johri Fogerson saves best for last
Special to The Seattle Times
On the final day of his high-school career, Johri Fogerson slept through two wake-up calls and the team breakfast.
After a rushed shower, the empty-bellied O'Dea senior hopped on the team bus hungry for one thing: a state title.
"Today's the day I win the high jump," he declared on his way to the Class 3A state track meet in Pasco. "I'm going to jump 6-8."
Irish track coach Andy Slatt, who only moments earlier had to pull the covers off Fogerson's bed, had heard the lofty prophecy the night before, and knew better than to underestimate the talented 18 year old.
"I hear kids say things like that all the time, but I believed him," Slatt said. "When he says he's going to do something, he does it."
Hours later, in front of a crowd that included family and former teammates — "We filled up half the stadium!" — Fogerson kept his promise. The 6-foot, 8-inch jump surpassed his personal best by 4 inches and secured the state title.
With that memorable leap, as well as a State Player of the Year football season and an all-league performance on the basketball court, Fogerson is The Seattle Times' High School Boys Athlete of the Year.
Winning an elusive state title was as much a relief as a celebration for Fogerson, who endured disappointing finishes in both football and basketball.
"I just had to win state in something this year," said Fogerson, who also placed eighth in the long jump. "I was 0 for 2."
Make that 1 for 3.
It was no surprise that Fogerson's best jump came on the biggest stage. All year the senior's paramount performances came in front of the largest crowds.
"He's a great athlete and a great competitor, and when the lights are on, he's always at his best," said Monte Kohler, O'Dea football coach and athletic director. "He never gets intimidated by the moment or shies away. He prides himself on doing well in those situations."
![]()
Kohler had a front-row view of Fogerson's feats this year, particularly in football. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound running back led the Seattle area with 2,545 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, and carried the Irish to the 3A title game. As usual, he saved the best for last.
While four touchdowns and 297 rushing yards weren't enough to beat Skyline of Sammamish, Fogerson's record-breaking performance caught the attention of football programs across the country.
Scholarship offers poured in, including one he would eventually accept from Washington. This fall he will suit up in the Huskies' backfield.
"He has had just a great high-school career, especially with football," Kohler said. "Not having him out here next year will be hard."
As he looks back, Fogerson is thankful for those who nurtured him along the way.
"Brandon Jones, Taylor Mays, Tony Felder, they all took me under their wing and put trust in me to keep everything going at O'Dea," he said, reeling off the names of three Pac-10 football recruits from the First Hill all-boys Catholic school. "They trusted that I was going to make it."
Now it's Fogerson's turn to give back.
Despite graduating last Wednesday, the senior is helping Irish underclassmen study for finals. For in the end, Fogerson imagines a legacy that spans more than athletics.
"I think I'll probably be remembered as just a great all-around guy and athlete," he said smiling. "And I'm fine with that."
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Star Times | Football: Offense
Star Times | Football: Defense
4A Football | Issaquah wins, Skyline next

nwjobs


Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Forget the gifts, honey. Let's give a little extra to the food bank this year.
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new truck? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Fresno State's Pat Hill has interview with UW
- Gregoire looking at massive state budget cuts
- Wal-Mart worker trampled to death by frenzied Black Friday shoppers
- Canada's oil-sands boom creates vast riches and a dirty footprint
- Jerry Brewer | Solid start makes it easy to believe in Jack Zduriencik
- $478,000 donated in Rep. Dicks' name
- Spokane driver hits 7 cars in 13 minutes
- Ancient canoe found at bottom of Black Sea
- Men rob wheelchair-bound man, take groceries
- Students lie, cheat, steal, but say they're good
- Canada's oil-sands boom creates vast riches and a dirty footprint
- Gregoire looking at massive state budget cuts
- Wal-Mart worker trampled to death by frenzied Black Friday shoppers
- Channeled Scablands: remnants of a mighty roar
- Fresno State's Pat Hill has interview with UW
- Students lie, cheat, steal, but say they're good
- Laxative helps clear up skin problems
- 10 homework tips for parents
- Seattle newspaper collector stacks up all the print that can fit
- Stalled economy may idle Seattle-area architects










