The Wonder Five have long been the stuff of legend here. Now, the famed basketball squads of a century ago will be a permanent part of the hardwood at Franklin College.
After receiving a $1 million gift commitment from the family of Roger and Janice Johnson, the school announced that the gift will designate the basketball court in the Elwood Fitness Center as the “Wonder Five Court.”
Originally constructed in 1908, the Elwood Fitness Center was expanded in the 1920s to create enough room for the crowds coming to see the Wonder Five play. The group won state championships at Franklin High School in 1920, 1921 and 1922 before heading to Franklin College together alongside coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner and continuing to excel, going unbeaten in the 1923 season and winning a national championship.
The gift will also be used to make other athletic upgrades on campus.
“I am tremendously grateful to the Johnson family for their loyal support,” said Franklin College president Kerry Prather, previously a longtime men’s basketball coach at the school. “This generous gift not only honors the legacy of the legendary Wonder Five teams, but it also moves forward a project that will enhance our fitness, recreational and athletic facilities. This gift will have a significant impact on current and future Grizzlies as we continue to expand the resources that enable a successful and fulfilling student experience.”
The Johnson family has been associated with the college for generations. Roger’s great-grandfather, Andrew, served on the school’s Board of Trustees in the late 1800s, and his father and sister both chaired the board. The family has made previous gifts and endowed scholarships.
“Being Hoosiers has always meant basketball to us,” Roger Johnson said. “Name any team that has won three consecutive Indiana high school championships and a national collegiate title besides the Franklin Wonder Five team. Jan and I are very happy and proud to have a small part in preserving the great legacy of the Franklin Wonder Five at Franklin College.”
