University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletics Director Paul Plinske announced that Mike Johnson has been appointed as the men's track and field head coach.
Johnson was a track and field team captain and four year letter winner at UW-Whitewater. He served as an assistant coach from 2005-2008. During that time, Johnson had athletes compete in every NCAA Division III indoor and outdoor championship meet. He was also Meet Manager for the 2007 and 2008 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships held at UW-Whitewater and UW-Superior.
"Mike brings a strong understanding of the proud UW-Whitewater track and field tradition. He is familiar with the competitiveness of the league and has prepared himself to be an outstanding leader for our program," Plinske said.
This past year, Johnson served as the men's and women's assistant track and field/cross country coach and lecturer at UW-Stevens Point. He designed sprint, hurdle and jumps training programs for both male and female student-athletes. The Pointers men's team finished second in both the WIAC indoor and outdoor championships. The women finished fourth in both. At the 2009 national championships, the Pointer men claimed eighth at the indoor meet and tied for 25th at the outdoor meet.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity. We have a large and experienced staff, great facilities, and very supportive staff and administration in both academics and athletics at UW-Whitewater. I respect the tradition of Warhawk track and field and will work hard to continue to build on that," said Johnson.
Johnson graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety and Health from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He also earned his Master's degree in Health and Human Performance from UW-Whitewater in 2008. Johnson is a USATF Level 2 certified Track and Field coach in Sprints/Hurdles as well as a member of the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
UW-Whitewater athletes have earned All-America honors 123 times, including 12 individual titles, since UW-W joined the NCAA in July 1980. The Warhawks have finished among the top 20 teams 12 times in NCAA III indoor championships and ten times in the national outdoor meet.
Johnson accepted this interim appointment and a national search will be conducted next year. He replaces Darren Schneider, who resigned following the 2009 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championship in May.
