LA MIRADA--- The Biola Track & Field programs welcomed Justin Johnson as their new Lead Assistant Coach in the Fall.

"I am very excited to have Coach Johnson join my staff as the lead assistant coach in our program," exclaimed head coach Sean Henning. "He will oversee the sprints/hurdles/relays crew and also head up the recruiting for our speed/power events. Justin has a very unique background in that he was a collegiate student-athlete, spent some time in the military and education, has coached at the youth level, and has spent some time coaching collegiately here in southern California."

Johnson most recently came to Biola from Westcliff University where he wore several hats including Head Track & Field/Cross Country coach, Director of Operations (for cross country and track & field), and was the Manager of Student-Athlete recruitment (also for cross country and track & field). 

While at Westcliff, he helped develop a team that allowed his student-athletes to succeed, including one NAIA National qualifying Cross Country runner who placed fifth at the California Pacific Conference Championships.

Henning continued, "Some of the qualities that stand out to me with Justin are his tireless work ethic, commitment to a team philosophy, strong desire to learn and grow as a coach and person, and passion for seeing young adults grow in their relationship with the Lord. He has already made my life easier and contributed to the direction of this program, even though he came in at a really odd time in the middle of the fall and had to hit the ground running. He seeks to collaborate with other coaches on our staff and wants to contribute to building up a successful, God-honoring program in any way he can."

Johnson received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Houston -Downtown where he was also a student-athlete. He also has his master's in sports administration from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. In addition to degrees, Johnson has several sport specific certifications including Strength and Conditioning Certification from The National Strength and Conditioning Association, Officiating Track and Field from NFHS, USATF Level 1 Certification, American Red Cross CPR/AED, First Aid, and Safety Certified. 

"I am extremely grateful and blessed to be a part of the Biola family," stated Johnson. "The program has a rich tradition with running sports within the Biola Athletic Department. I look forward to contributing to the program's success and working with a talented group of student-athletes. I came here to move the needle on the sprints & hurdle side of Track & Field, and that's what I intend to do. I am excited to bring my Texas "twang" here to California and build something special in La Mirada. Working here at Biola is an amazing opportunity for me to grow mentally, spiritually, and professionally in both Track & Field and in faith. I'd like to thank Coach Sean Henning for welcoming me into such a talented coaching staff."

The track & field programs will open up their Spring with Biola's Red vs Black Meet on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m.

CLICK HERE, for women's track & field schedule.
CLICK HERE, for men's track & field schedule.