Colorado Year in Review: 10th Most Viewed Story

December 22, 2014

By John Cackowski
State Director

We're looking back at the top 15 most viewed stories on our website from the year of 2014. Our 10th most viewed story was an interview we did with Cherry Creek head coach Marc Johnson on May 27. Below you can read the interview in its entirety.

By Jordan Cantalamessa
Regional Scout/Showcase Evaluator

This past week I had the pleasure of conducting a Q&A with arguably one of the country’s best and most successful high school coaches, Marc Johnson. Coach Johnson has coached the Bruins for 42 years, and I had the honor of playing for him for four of those years from 1996-1999 and won four state championships under his command. To this day, he has been one of the most influential men in my 33 years. Not only was he an exceptional coach, leader and mentor, to this day I consider him a great friend. I caught up with Coach J the day before he took on eventual state champion Rocky Mountain, to give you a glimpse into what has made him one of the most successful coaches in state history.

Who in your mind, have been the standout players in Colorado high school baseball this year?
This year in Colorado has had a great pool of talent, especially in the pitching department. David Peterson from Regis and Oregon commit is an outstanding young pitcher with a bright future ahead of him. He competed very well with Team USA, and had an unfortunate accident that sidelined him for some of the season. But he’s bounced back and I believe is going to be outstanding for Oregon if he doesn’t get picked up in this year’s draft. Max George, also from Regis and an Oregon State commit is probably the best player in the state. This kid is incredibly athletic and is as close to a five-tool player you’ll find this year in Colorado. Nick Leonard from Mountain Vista and a Washington State commit has been the biggest surprise. This kid has a live arm, commands the ball very well and competes as hard as anyone in the state. Carl Stajduhar from Rocky Mountain and a New Mexico commit, is tremendous at the plate. He has power to all fields and has been one of the most consistent hitters throughout the year. Other notable players that have stood out this year have been Cory Voss from Pueblo South and New Mexico commit. Also Grant Farrell, from Cherry Creek and a Creighton commit.

You are one of the few coaches that doesn’t cut players, tell me a little about that.
I’ve always wanted to give kids a “high school” experience. I feel like if the kids want to be a part of something, and they give themselves to the program, I want to provide that experience for them. Now, to clarify, we are only allowed to carry a 25 man roster and 18 players during the state playoffs, but I have historically carried a larger roster than most other schools because I want as many kids to have that experience as possible

What does the word “Creek” mean to you after 42 years?
Creek has been my life blood. I’ve been so blessed by great players, families and coaching staffs that have committed themselves to me and the Creek program. Many of these coaches could have been head coaches for other programs, but they chose to stay with me. Creek has and always will be “family” to me. Creek will always be a culmination of people I want to carry on a relationship with for a lifetime, not just the four years I get to coach them while they are in high school.

What has been the biggest learning experience for you over the past 42 years as head coach?
There have been so many learning experiences, especially having been here as long as I have been. But I would have to say one of the biggest learning experiences has been how to create a family atmosphere that people want to be a part of and devote themselves to. Every year, there are new faces, new players, new families, and becoming a family creates that atmosphere, a winning atmosphere that people love being a part of and want to come back to even after they have moved on and graduated.

What are you most proud of throughout your tenure?
Most people would assume it is the championships or wins, but to me, what I’m most proud of is what’s happened to the players. Seeing them develop into men of character has been so rewarding to me. Some have gone on to successful careers in baseball, some in their jobs. For me, it’s always been more than just baseball. Faith, family and education is what it’s all about. The wins and championships are just a byproduct. It’s the gratitude I’ve received for being a part of the kids’ lives is what has been the most exciting for me than anything.

Having been a part of the Creek family and having you as my coach for four years, how is it that you’ve been able to continually, year after year, put together successful teams and continue to get the kids to respond to you after so many years?
I’ve always told my wife Peggy, that when the kids stop responding to me, and that fire isn’t there anymore, I’ll know it’s time to move on. I know I keep saying this, but it’s the family atmosphere that keeps me energized year after year. And don’t think for one second I’m foolish enough to think that the program’s success is all because of me, because it’s absolutely not. It’s been a collaborative effort of people who have bought into the program year after year and made it what it is today. I believe wholeheartedly that a legacy isn’t judged by the number of players you send to college or the major leagues, rather is what you’ve done to feed into the kids’ lives, and how well you’ve prepared them for the next stage in life, whether that be, college, work career or even a career in the major leagues. I’ve always known how to motivate, and pull the best out of my players, it’s a talent I’m very blessed and thankful for and will use as long as I possibly can.