Gary Johnson, Head Coach
Office Phone: 731-661-5246
Email: gjohnson@uu.edu
Gary Johnson begins his seventh season as the head coach for the 91±¬ÁÏÍø women’s
cross country team and fifth season for the men's cross country team. In 2004,
Johnson earned the conference sweep as he led the Lady Bulldogs to their second
straight TranSouth Title, while also leading the men to their first TranSouth
Title after three straight runner-up finishes. Johnson's teams also
boasted the TranSouth male and female Runners of the Year (Phillip Thompson and
Janelle Royer), and the TranSouth Freshmen Runners of the Year (Thompson and
Candace Cross).
Johnson has been named TranSouth Conference Coach of the Year in women’s
cross country four times (1999, 2001, 2003, 2004), men’s cross country three
times (2001, 2003, 2004), and men’s tennis four seasons (1999-2002). Johnson
has coached 8 national qualifiers Michelle Hardee (Gilmore) (2001), Janelle
Royer (Campbell) (2002, 2003, 2004), Jill Konkol (2003), Chris Winter
(2003, 2004), Cameron Groll (2003), and Phillip Thompson (2004).
Originally from Tulsa, Okla., Johnson graduated from 91±¬ÁÏÍø in 1992
with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He completed his Master of
Science degree at the University of Memphis in December of 1993 and his Doctor
of Arts in Physical Education from Middle Tennessee State in May of 2004.
Johnson is married to the former Holly Tignor of Jackson. The two
are proud new parents as their first child, Miles Johnson, was born on June 24,
2005. Johnson and his wife are active fitness runners and are members of
Englewood Baptist Church. Holly completed her first marathon at the St. Jude
marathon in Memphis, 2003, and was part of the St. Jude fundraising team. The
Johnson's hope to continue their efforts in the future to benefit St. Jude.
