Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Special Recognition Award – Cass Johnson – College of the Ozarks
This Zizzer Spotlight features WPHS alumni, Cass Johnson. Cass is one of the many amazing Zizzer athletes we’ve had the privilege to watch over the years. She is a senior at College Of The Ozarks pursuing a major in Communication Arts / Journalism. She is a starting Guard for the Lady Bobcats Women’s Basketball team.
During her junior year Cass was recognized by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame with a Special Achievement Award due to her selection as a 2016-2017 NCCAA First Team All American – which she earned during her sophomore year! She started for all 33 games and led the Lady Bobcats with 14.42 points per game average, shooting 43% from the field, 83% from the free throw line and 40% from 3-point range (sinking 99 of her attempts!). She was ranked #7 in NAIA Division II in total 3-point field goals made. And this was during her sophomore year! WOW!
During her junior year she improved to 16.6 points per game average and 44.1% field goal percentage, and ranked #9 in NAIA Division II for total 3-point field goals made (she nailed 101!) and ranked #10 in NAIA Division II for 3-point field goals made per game! Cass has scored over 1,000 career points (1,339) so far! She was named to the NCCAA Division I Women’s Basketball All-Region team, and NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball honorable mention.
It would be an understatement to say that the Lady Bobcats have appreciated Cass Johnon’s contributions! Here is her message to current Zizzers:
As cliché as it sounds, enjoy every single moment you have left in high school. Attend sporting events, watch the band perform at half time of football games, be a part of anything you can. Being a Zizzer is much more than what most think it means (because most do not know what it means, but that is beside the point).
As I am in my senior year of college, I cannot explain how thankful I am to be Zizzer Alumni. The coaches, teachers, friends, and administration I had while in high school each taught me a different lesson in preparation to where I am now in life.
My coaches taught me to work hard for what I want because it can almost guarantee success every time, if not, keep working harder. My high school teachers taught me that having a break from studies is good for your health (aka food days in Coach Quarti’s bible class). To my high school friends, they have showed me what true commitment is no matter how far life took us apart we still make time to see each other most weekends.
College is a completely different world. It is new teachers, friends, and memories. Each lesson I learned in high school has been useful in my four years of college. College can be intimidating, especially going far from home. Fortunately, for me I chose a school a little closer to home, yet far enough that I cannot come
home every night.
Although college is not for everyone, I truly believe that it is a necessary experience. The opportunities that College of the Ozarks has provided for me have been endless. Some advice I have is getting involved on campus. There is a club or organization for everyone. By being involved on campus, I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest people in our nation, such as, Karl Rove, Dr. Ben Carson, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, and Steve Forbes.
I have been a part of student forums, where hundreds of students come together and discuss social and economic issues, learning how to change our lives for the better. Each person I have encountered in college has taught me a new lesson in life. I have established many connections through my college professors and coaches. However, my main involvement on campus and one of the best decisions of my life is deciding to play college basketball.
I love being a part of a team, working with others, and establishing new friendships. That is how it is in any sport or club, and it will make the college experience much more enjoyable because it establishes a fresh foundation for developing new friendships and making home a little easier to be away from. I also believe it is also important to go home a few times here and there. College can get busy and stressful, but nothing a home cooked meal with your family can’t fix.
