OTLPA Hall of Famer Inductee!

2010 Hall of Famer JOHNNA HELM

Ms. Inspiration

Johnna Helm is an incredible player and part of the spectacle of OTL in the 70's by topless streaking after her team was in the OMBAC finals. So you see, she did it way before the silly soccer players of today have. She also brings a lot to the spectacle part of the sport with her dry wit humor, and amazing offensive corner-shot play. She's always impressive to watch.

She has won three women's Open titles, five women's Century and one Canalways. There are very few women who have more wins and have a more impressive resume, from the title perspective...and that is only because Johnna has stopped playing in recent years for health reasons.

All in the family. She comes from a broad OTL family of generations, with Charlie and Mavin Davidson (sister), Charles Davidson (nephew) and the Portlocks (brother-in-law, nephew, cousins) all being in her family. Her parents were avid OTL supporters, and her dad was a great black and white photographer capturing many action shots of the early OTL era. Are we forgetting anyone? If so, let us know and we'll be sure to add honorable mention also.

Johnna was integral in promoting OTL to the female gender of this game. She help to rally the men of OMBAC to include a women's division...and got that started in the 70's. She and her friend Mona Najimy started the "Women's Draw" tournament to pull out the newbies each year, to teach them the game; putting one experienced player, one intermediate player and one rookie on each team. That tournament still carries on for the Breast Cancer cause.

She always has cared about the sport and promoting it with the women, and never turned down anyone who wanted some help or coaching. Since she herself is a hard-out to get when she's at bat, she generously gives her advice and tips to help make a player hit better, and have more control.

One person (we think maybe Mary J.) wrote anonymously in the 1993 OMBAC program, on page 24, this:

"...if everyone from all the divisions got together and put their true wits about them, a plaque of appreciation would be awarded to her as she truly promoted the sport and never lost sight of the fun..."

We just found that dedication today while browsing through a few older programs. So guess what, her wish is our demand.

Johnna is a huge part of the overall history of Over-The-Line.

--J. Hatch, OTLPA, 04-25-10