REPUBLIC — Before Republic’s 33-14 win over Webb City, no one had a better seat than Air Force Captain Noah Johnson.
The 2018 Republic graduate sat hundreds of feet above the stadium in a T-6 Texan II aircraft. Johnson and another pilot delivered a perfect flyover during the national anthem at Friday’s game.
“Everything kind of slows down,” Johnson said. “You are wondering if there is any delay between the game, press box and the radios to us. We give it a shot, and oh, it worked out.”
Johnson, 26, is stationed at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Okla. He’s an instructor teaching some of the best young minds how to fly military aircrafts. Johnson’s love of flying all started at Republic High School.
throats' in win over Webb City
The flyover before the football game was just one way to give back to the community that helped him achieve his dreams.
“When I was a student getting to talk to Colonel (Patrick) Sanders about flying the F-16, that really inspired me to go look into that,” Johnson said. “If there was anything that I could do to forward that kind of mentality and legacy that he gave me, I reached out and wanted to see if the school district wanted to do a flyover.”
Flyovers are quite common during NFL and college football games. For high school games, it’s quite rare.
“High school flyovers tend to happen when somebody has an in,” Johnson said. “It’s really unique to be able to do this here tonight.”
Along with the flyover, Republic made the game a Salute to Veterans night. During halftime ceremonies, veterans were honored for their service. Head football coach Ryan Cornelsen said the game was extremely important to the Republic community.
“I think our community has done a great job supporting our youth. It’s a great environment,” Cornelsen said. “Tonight, when you looked at both sides, it was high school football. Then you get the flyover and the military night recognizing those individuals, what a great environment.”
Johnson only has a few more months at Vance Air Force Base. He is expected to move on to his next assignment, which he will learn more about next summer. Johnson will continue his journey with the Air Force, this time in an aircraft he's always dreamed of piloting.
“In like June or July, finding out what I’m going to fly next,” Johnson said. “When I’m done here, I’m supposed to get one of the four Air Force fighters that we have currently.
I’m really hoping for the F-35.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Air Force pilot honors alma mater with rare flyover prior to Republic vs Webb City
