Hiwassee College announced on Friday the hiring of Junior Johnson to the Tiger coaching staff.
Johnson, from Soddy-Daisy, will serve as the head coach of the Lady Tigers basketball and softball teams. He will be in charge of the recruiting, coaching, scheduling, and day-to-day operations of these programs at Hiwassee College.
Johnson is excited to be coaching at Hiwassee College.
“I’ve wanted to coach on the college level all my life and I am very thankful for this opportunity,” said Johnson.
Johnson has a coaching career that spans more than 30 years. One notable accomplishment was the time he spent at Sequatchie County High School. Johnson coached the Indians to a 32-win season and third place in the state tournament his first year. His teams averaged 25 wins per season and were a top team in the state throughout his tenure as head coach.
Johnson played basketball at Soddy-Daisy High School and went on to play for Carson-Newman College. He served as team captain his senior year.
When asked what he looks forward to the most, Johnson commented, “I want to help build upon the pride that has always been such a huge part of Hiwassee College basketball. I have personally sent many players to Hiwassee over the years and have always believed that Hiwassee represents the ideal college environment.”
Said Hiwassee College athletic director, Rodney Nelson, “We’re excited to have someone of Junior’s experience, commitment and energy as part of our women’s athletic programs and I know he will do a fantastic job.”
Hiwassee College is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), and plays in the Mid-East Region. Founded in 1849 and associated with the United Methodist Church, Hiwassee College is a liberal arts, residential institution of higher education, providing quality education for all students in an atmosphere that promotes intellectual pursuit, spiritual growth, and social and personal responsibility.
(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)