Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Lew-Port to retire "Moose" Johnston’s jersey

By Jay Skurski
Niagara Gazette

The greatest athlete in Lewiston-Porter High School history is set to earn the school’s highest athletic honor.

Daryl Johnston, a 1984 Lew-Port graduate, will have his No. 34 jersey retired at halftime of the Lancers’ home opener against Wilson on Sept. 1.

“We feel that it’s long overdue,” athletics director Scott Townsend said. “We’re trying to rekindle the tradition of Lewiston-Porter football and he’s one of the finest athletes to ever come out of here.”

Johnston won the Connolly Cup as Western New York’s most outstanding player in 1983. He was also the valedictorian of his class, graduating with a 4.0 grade-point average.

Townsend said that to his knowledge, this is the first time a Lew-Port player has had his jersey number retired. Townsend said the idea to retire Johnston’s jersey came from the Lew-Port football boosters club.

Lancers coach Brian Gunby said his team looks forward to the game.

“People know who Daryl Johnston is and what he represents,” he said. “To have him come back and retire his jersey is great. He’s going to speak to the kids before the game. ... It means a lot to a lot of people in the community, but especially the kids.”

Johnston will also have a meet and greet with fans from 6 to 7 p.m. prior to the game.

After leaving Lew-Port, Johnston went on to star for Syracuse University, where he became an All-American in 1988. He was picked in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

Nicknamed “Moose,” Johnston was one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league, paving the way for star running back Emmitt Smith. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, in 1993 and 1994. He also won three Super Bowl titles with the Cowboys, defeating the Buffalo Bills twice in the process.

Johnston has worked in television since retiring after the 1999 season. This year, he’ll serve as a color commentator for the NFL on FOX.

Contact Jay Skurski at 693-1000, Ext. 117.

The Daryl Johnston file

- HOMETOWN: Youngstown

- BIRTH DATE: Feb. 10, 1966

- COLLEGE: Syracuse

- PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: Johnston won three Super Bowl titles as a member of the Dallas Cowboys ... known primarily for his blocking, the man known as “Moose” made the Pro Bowl in 1993 and 1994 ... Johnston scored 22 career touchdowns and had 50 receptions in the 1993 season