JACKSON - This week, the Alumni Spotlight shines bright on Belhaven legend, David Johnson. He was kind enough to sit down Belhaven Head Coach James Gledhill. During this interview, DJ talked about the inside of Jeff Moser's Camaro, celebrating Ronaldo's goal in the away end, and obviously the 1992 National Championship amongst other things. 

Good evening, DJ, Thanks for having me over. Why did you choose Belhaven?
"Initially I attended Huntingdon College in Alabama my first semester of college. That spring, I transferred to Belhaven. I liked the small school atmosphere at Belhaven and the fact that the school was in an area where soccer wasn't supposed to exist. The team wanted to prove a point, especially us Mississippi guys. No one expected us to win. We always used that as our motivation. Belhaven was a better team than Huntingdon, plus it was closer to my high school sweetheart Alison, now my wife of 32 years. It would turn out to be one of the best decisions of my life."


What was one of your first memories of Belhaven?
"On arrival to Belhaven, I had heard of the famous Jeff Moser. I'd heard he was one of the key players on the team. First time I met him, he pulled up in his old Camaro. He had the inside of the ceiling caving in on him as he drove by. I remember thinking, 'He can't be the best player, he has carpet hanging down from the inside of his Camaro roof'."


Is there one impactful moment during your time at Belhaven that stands out more than others?
"One moment that stands out is Craig Demmin's first day on campus. As we arrived from the dorms to practice, we paused at the top of the Hill to look down at what Pete and Steve had set up for that day. It was then, that this giant of a man from Trinidad & Tobago walked up the Hill towards us to say hello and introduce himself. Craig was a man about boys, a true leader on and off the field, and someone who you knew even then would one day go on to achieve greatness. Craig had a huge impact on me when I first met him. Craig's leadership, skill, and influence immediately elevated the team's morale. With Craig on the team we all started to recognize that the squad now had a real chance of greatness."


Some might say, "There was so much talent at Belhaven in the early 90's, it was like an earlier version of the Real Madrid Galacticos."  But who is the best player you played with?
"Without a doubt. Sheldon Bennett. He was amazing. He always wanted the ball. He was constantly skipping tackles. He was such a talented player. In 1992 when we won the NAIA National Championship in San Antonio, he was the MVP of the Tournament. We had a team made up of superstars. Mississippi lads, players from Washington and all corners of the world that came together in Jackson, Mississippi. Such fond memories. Fun times."


It sounds like you have had a lot of great memories throughout your time at Belhaven. What would you say was your favorite memory?
"Nicky Morgan's penalty shootout winner in the National Tournament semi-final against West Virginia Wesleyan. He roofed it. Great penalty. As soon as he scored, everyone, fans, players, and coaches, ran towards him with such excitement and ended up all piled up with joy. I remember being at the bottom somewhere I think."


Is there someone from your time spent at Belhaven that you would like to give a special mention to this evening?
"Peter Fuller. He was always prepared for training or games. He expected the best from you. 100% bare minimum every time. His attention to detail on game day was ahead of his time really. I've coached youth soccer for 25-30 years and have many times used one of his training sessions, sayings or applied a lesson learned that he taught me. He's had a huge positive impact on my life in so many ways."


What do you miss the most from your time at Belhaven?
"The HILL. Everyday we would walk from our dorms to the top of the Bowl and look down the hill to see Pete and Steve putting down the cones ready for practice. On our descent down the hill you would always know that once you got to the bottom, it was "time" to get ready for practice. My best friends now are the guys I played with at Belhaven. We loved training everyday. I have so many cherished memories from my days as a student athlete there."


DJ, it's been an absolute pleasure to sit down with you tonight and catch up. Thank you so much for your time and for inviting me to your home this evening. One final question, how do you stay involved with the game of soccer today?
"I enjoy watching most soccer, especially Manchester United. Some people might think it's strange for a guy from Mississippi to wake up early on a Saturday morning for a 6:30 AM Premier League game. But I don't care, I love Soccer! The game is who we are. I remember taking our kids, Connor and Reagan, to watch Manchester United when they were younger, and when Cristiano Ronaldo scored and the West Ham fans went nuts screaming at him as he celebrated. The match day environment was awesome. I would take the kids again. A couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to watch Manchester United beat Newcastle United in the Cup final at Wembley."

On November 28, 1992, in San Antonio, Texas, Belhaven University Men's Soccer team won their first NAIA National Championship defeating Lynn University, 2-1, in the final. David Johnson was a standout player during his playing career at Belhaven. DJ was also named to the 1992 NAIA All-Tournament Team.

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