Earlier today, West Chicago Community High School officially dedicated its pool the Dan Johnson Natatorium, honoring the beloved swim coach and physical education teacher who passed away in 2020 after a 13-year battle with cancer.

Johnson, known for his relentless positivity and dedication to his swimmers, left a lasting impact on the West Chicago community. For nearly four decades, he coached the West Chicago Sharks and the high school’s swim teams, guiding numerous athletes to the state level and beyond. His influence extended far beyond the pool, earning him respect and admiration as a mentor, teacher, and friend.

The decision to name the pool after Johnson had been in the works for some time. The West Chicago Board of Education revisited its policies regarding naming rights, which had not been updated in years, before voting unanimously last May to honor Johnson in this way. Corrie Stieglitz, a WEGO alumna and former swimmer under Johnson, championed the effort.

In an announcement following the Board’s vote, Stieglitz shared her excitement and gratitude: “It is with great pride that I share with you that our Board of Education unanimously voted to name our high school pool the Daniel R. Johnson Natatorium. This has been a labor of love for me, and I am so thankful to everyone who signed the petitions, attended board meetings, and supported this idea since Dan’s passing.”

The dedication ceremony today was a fitting tribute to Johnson’s legacy, attended by current and former swimmers, community members, and school staff. This year, Johnson was also posthumously inducted into the Swimming Hall of Fame, cementing his place in swimming history. Additionally, a new annual Dan Johnson Coaching Award was established to honor coaches who embody his spirit as a great teammate, peer, and mentor.