May 19, 2008
from staff reports
Just weeks after it rescinded its announcement about a reclassification of its men's lacrosse program from NCAA Division I to Division III, Hobart has announced T.W. Johnson as the Statesmen's new head coach.
Johnson, who has been a Hobart assistant for the past four seasons, takes over for Matt Kerwick, who resigned after seven years as the school's head coach, according to a Hobart press release.
"To stand on the shoulders of some of the best coaches in lacrosse history, people like Babe Kraus, Jerry Schmidt, and Dave Urick, is an amazing opportunity," said Johnson. "I'm especially grateful to Matt Kerwick, who hired me as his assistant coach four years ago. I'm honored to have Matt's friendship and am humbled by his support and the support of the Colleges in my ability to lead this team into the future."
"I couldn't leave the lacrosse team in better hands," said Kerwick. "T.W. has proven that he's dedicated to this team, these student-athletes and to Hobart. He brings integrity to all he does and is an incredible asset to the future of Hobart lacrosse."
Johnson came to Hobart in 2004 following three seasons as the head coach at Limestone College. During his tenure with the Saints, Johnson posted an impressive record of 41-7 (.854), including a perfect 19-0 in Deep South Conference play and 9-0 in the Deep South Tournament. Johnson managed Limestone to three consecutive conference championships and three NCAA Division II Championship games, capturing the 2002 title.
Johnson mentored 22 All-Deep South selections, including three straight Deep South Players of the Year. He also coached 16 USILA All-Americans, including two Division II Players of the Year.
Prior to his time at Limestone, Johnson served as an assistant coach at Lynchburg College for five years, helping the Hornets to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1999.
A native of Chesapeake, Va., Johnson is a 1996 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history. The three-year starting defenseman served as team captain as a senior. In 1995, he led the Tigers to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship and an NCAA Tournament berth. In 1998, he earned a master's degree in education from Lynchburg.
"It is Hobart's good fortune that we have a coach of T.W.'s personal and professional profile on our staff," said Mike Hanna, Hobart's athletic director. "Along with his impressive record, we have had the opportunity to assess his leadership, teaching, recruiting, teamwork and character during his four years on the Hobart athletics staff."
