Hall of Fame
Wendell Johnson was a two-sport standout during his time at McKendree during the 1960s. Not only did he leave an impact on the sports he played for the Bearcats, but he also went on to coach so he could teach the games he loved to others.
Wendell came to McKendree after a stellar high school career at nearby Lebanon Community High School, where he earned honorable mention All-State honors in basketball as a senior. He played both baseball and basketball for the Bearcats, and had the distinction of being coached by three different individuals on the hardwood – Barney Oldfield, Lou Vesley and Harry Statham. Wendelle lettered in both sports all four years of his academic career, and also received the White Blanket Award at McKendree.
As a junior on the baseball diamond, Wendell earned honorable mention All-America honors from the NAIA, where he ranked in the top 20 among earned-run average leaders at 1.97. Wendell was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, but chose instead to pursue a career in education after his graduation from McKendree.
Wendell eventually returned to his alma mater, where he was an assistant basketball coach for seven years under Coach Statham. He later went on to serve as the head basketball coach at Lebanon HS for three years, becoming the first African-American head coach in the Cahokia Conference. Wendell also was the athletic director and baseball coach at Lovejoy High School.
