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For Immediate Release: Monday, October 8, 2001 EDINBURG,
TX –Good pitching is vital to the success of any baseball team. The
University of Texas-Pan American recognized that when they named Johnny
Johnson as the baseball team’s first full-time pitching coach,
according to an announcement by Director of Athletics William J.
Weidner. Johnson is no stranger to the Broncs. He
served as a graduate assistant in each of the last two seasons under
Head Coach Reggie Tredaway, and was also the pitching coach for the
Edinburg Roadrunners as they won the championship in their first year in
the Texas-Louisiana League this summer behind a record-breaking pitching
staff. Johnson played for St. Mary’s
University in San Antonio and the Rattlers advanced to the National
Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World series twice during his
collegiate career. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at
Texas Wesleyan for two years, then joined the Broncs for two years as a
graduate assistant. The opportunity at UTPA was one that
Johnson couldn’t pass up. “I’m excited about the opportunity,”
said Johnson. “Since I’ve been here the last two years with (Head
Coach) Reggie (Tredaway) and (Assistant Coach) Mike (Brown), it’s been
very comfortable for me. This was my first choice. There are a lot of
exciting things about to happen here.” Tredaway was also pleased. “Johnny gets
along with the players very well, and he’s very knowledgeable about
pitching as well as recruiting,” said Tredaway. “He will be our
recruiting coordinator as well as our pitching coach. I expect him to do
an outstanding job in both areas.” Weidner enthusiastically endorsed the
selection. “We are pleased to announce the hiring of Johnny Johnson as
UTPA’s first full-time pitching coach for our baseball program,”
said Weidner. “The creation of a full-time position as pitching coach
not only assures our team of being at the NCAA maximum as far as coaches
for the first time ever, but is also further evidence of our athletic
administration’s commitment to developing a nationally respected and
competitive NCAA Division I baseball program. This is an exciting time
for Bronc baseball. Our program is now housed in a state-of-the-art
facility that is the equal of any baseball complex in the nation. With
the continued leadership of Head Coach Reggie Tredaway, a full
complement of coaches, increased funding for recruiting purposes and a
premier ballpark in which to play in, the future of Bronc baseball is
very bright.” Johnson’s appointment is effective immediately. BA-01-02
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