‘My brother and I smiled when we first saw John Long’ – Ernie Clawson

TOP PHOTO: John Long just had to toss up some shots before he signed his college scholarship papers with Johnson University.

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – “The first day my brother Brandon and I walked into the gym and saw John Long working out, we turned and smiled at each other,” said Campbell Head Basketball Coach Ernie Clawson. The coach went on to say that when you want something, you’ve got to go earn it, and John Long is the epitome of that.

John Long, who was on Clawson’s first Campbell team, signed with Johnson University on Friday morning in the same gym where the Clawson brothers smiled at each other three years ago. Johnson is located in southeast Knoxville.

All of Long’s coaches were on hand for Friday’s ceremony; John Philpot – Jacksboro Elementary, Ken Weaver – La Follette Middle and Ernie Clawson – Campbell High.

Campbell Director of Athletics Matt Price welcomed the large crowd calling it a great day for Campbell High and for John Long. “John, through basketball and soccer, has meant a lot to CCHS. Johnson University is getting a great person and athlete,” said Price.

“I’ve been blessed and honored to coach John. He’s the kind of kid a coach wants. I’m looking forward to following him at JU. For our program, this means a lot to us,” said Clawson. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/23/2023-1PM)