Earlham College

Orville Johnson was one of the first great tennis players for Earlham College. A four-year letterwinner from 1930-33, he posted a 27-11 record in singles competition and was 24-10 in doubles. In 1931, Johnson, teamed with Paul Stanley at No. 2 doubles, reached the semifinals of the state tournament. A year later, he and doubles partner Jack Carter were unbeaten at the No. 1 spot until the quarterfinals of the state tournament. In 1933, the duo finished second in the state.

Johnson later coached Earlham’s men’s tennis squad to several successful seasons from 1937-61. Playing tennis until ill health forced him to stop, he spent his entire career at Earlham except for four years spent in Washington, D.C., with Indiana congressman David W. Dennis. While at Earlham, Johnson held several positions — among them, speech and debate coach and development associate.