Mr. Victor C.L. Johansen
1900 - 1991
Inducted 1998
Vikings Soccer Club
Born June 25, 1900 in Drammen, Norway. Victor started playing soccer at the age of nine. In 1914, age 14, he served one year during World War I in the Norwegian Merchant Marines. He immigrated from Norway to the United States in 1917 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a physical instructor. Shortly thereafter he became involved as a soccer player with the Norwegian-American Athletic Club. He founded the Vikings Soccer Club in 1922 and played diligently for 28 years and served as their captain. The Vikings Soccer Club is the oldest existing club in the State of Utah celebrating their 75th anniversary in 1997. Victor also served as president of the Utah Soccer League during 1930's. He was part of the Vikings team that won the coveted Daynes Challenge Cup in 1932-34. His playing career ended in 1955 after he developed knee problems. Victor will be regarded as one of the true Utah soccer pioneers.
