CHENEY, Wash. — Preparing for the future is the purpose of college. It is the first step to figuring out what a person wants to be in life. Students use the knowledge they learn to decide what career path they want to take. 

For Mark Johnson, the path is already clear going into his third year at Eastern Washington University as he is pursuing a degree in Construction Management.

"I've looked into construction jobs back home recently, and there's a big opening in that field right now. It's definitely something I'm going to finish out," Johnson said. "I'm still in a position where I could change my degree if I wanted to, but I'm pretty happy sticking with construction."

Originally from Vernon, British Columbia, Johnson is going into his junior year academically at Eastern, while being a redshirt-sophomore on the Eagle football roster. 

"I wasn't entirely sure when I first got to campus, but I knew a lot of people who were in [construction management]; that kind of led me toward it," Johnson added. 

Johnson is not the only football player pursuing a degree in construction management and the connection has helped build camaraderie with his teammates. Other Eagle football players pursuing the degree include Jaden Radke, Nate Bell, Dane Gatterman, Gabriel Rzany and Myles Mayovsky. 

"We're kind of all in different areas," Johnson explained. "The older guys have more upper-level classes, but I've had one with Radke, and some with Nate and Myles."

Along with finding common ground with his teammates, Johnson has felt more connected to EWU, 

"I normally have at least one class with someone I already know each quarter, especially since I prefer in-person classes. It's usually the same people, and it's helped me get to know more people."

In-person classes are a major benefit for Johnson as he balances being a full-time student along with the full-time commitment of being a Division I football player. Selecting the right classes each quarter is key Johnson in achieving this balance,

"I try to take my harder classes outside of the season. I had a couple challenging ones last quarter, but usually I take the tougher classes in the winter when I have more time to focus on school. Math is my weakest subject, so I try to take those classes in the winter. I had to take physics last quarter though. It actually went better than I thought it would."

While preparing for his third year at Eastern, Johnson is thinking about the future and what opportunities from his construction management degree he wants to pursue, 

"I'd like to try starting something on my own instead of going to one of the big firms," Johnson said. "I don't have it fully planned out yet, but I'd probably want to do my own thing if I could, so private contracting."

This past season, Johnson made 12 starts at center for Eastern after redshirting his freshman year (2024) and appearing in one game.

Despite being international, the distance between Cheney and Vernon is manageable for Johnson to stay connected to his hometown,

"It's about a five-and-a-half to six-hour drive, so at least one of my parents tries to come to each home game. I've been pretty busy, so I don't really get homesick. I'm happy here, and it's nice being able to call them. When I do need to go back, it's nice being close if something comes up, I can get home."

The Eagle Football Network and alumni support helps the team be successful and makes sure that Eastern's student-athletes are taken care of and everything they need to succeed. 

Johnson understands and appreciates the support from the EFN and the football alumni,

"When I see alumni on the sidelines, it reminds me of who came before us and what we're playing for. We want to keep building on what was created in the past and push the program forward. Everyone in the locker room wants to succeed and see the program do well."

Along with the alumni support, Johnson wants to make an impact for the Spokane community and embraces being the city's only D1 football program, 

"I want people to look up to me, and enjoy coming to the games to enjoy what Eagle football is all about; that plays a big role for me. It's something Tim Collins talks about a lot. It definitely does motivate me more. We're the local team people can come support, and that motivates me to give them the best product we can."

Like his goals for his career with construction management, Johnson has his mind set on goals for Eastern Washington this fall, "A Big Sky Championship. We're going for it all this year. With so many guys coming back, we have a lot to build on."

Eastern's 2026 season kickoff on Aug. 29 with a road conference game against Northern Arizona. The Eagles' home opener is the following week, Sep. 5 against Northern Iowa. 
 

---

Join the Eagle Athletic Fund for as low as $50 per year! Support Eagle student-athletes on and off the field while enjoying exclusive EAF perks such as season ticket and tailgating priority, invitations to special events, exclusive access, and more. Visit goeags.com/eaf for more information.

ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.

FOLLOW THE EAGLES
SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram