Corban hired Austin Johnson as the new head men's basketball coach.
SALEM, Ore. – Corban University Director of Athletics, Greg Eide, announced on Friday morning that the Warriors have hired current Lewis-Clark State College Associate Head Coach Austin Johnson as the new Head Men's Basketball Coach at Corban.
"I am pleased to announce Austin Johnson as the new Head Men's Basketball Coach at Corban University," said Eide. "After conducting a national search, we developed a very deep and talented pool of applicants. Although a number of applicants were exceptionally qualified, Austin became the clear choice of the search committee. His experience as the Associate Head Coach at NAIA Division I national power LCSC, outstanding recruiting record in the northwest, desire to elevate our program to new competitive heights, and his love and passion for the mission of Corban University made Austin the perfect fit for this position. We are very excited about the future of Warrior men's basketball!"
Johnson begins full time as the Warrior men's basketball coach on April 1 at the completion of the current campaign with Lewis-Clark State. Under his guidance and recruiting, LCSC garnered a No. 1 overall seed in the 2016 NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament with a 28-4 overall record. LCSC earned the automatic bid to the National Tournament due to winning the conference tournament title. In addition, Johnson and LCSC won the Frontier Conference regular season championship.
"First of all, I would like to thank the Lord for the opportunities he has presented in college athletics to not only coach, but be surrounded by such amazing and supportive people," said Johnson. "I would also like to thank my wife, Kelli, for her help and willingness to be my teammate. I am excited to accept the head men's basketball position at Corban University. It is a great school with so much to offer students and student-athletes. Ultimately, I was sold on the vision of President Nord and Greg Eide that they both have for the school and athletics. I am excited to work with them and make their vision a reality. I would like to thank both of them, as well as the search committee, for this opportunity to work at a dynamic Christian college that continues to grow. I am thrilled to start my position and getting to work at Corban while establishing relationships with the current team, professors, and administration. I would also like to thank the administration at Lewis-Clark State College and Brandon Rinta for allowing me to help build a nationally recognized program. It is an exciting time! Go Warriors!"
Johnson has been with Lewis-Clark State for six years, and is in his first year as the Associate Head Coach. During his time with the program, the Warriors have averaged more than 20 wins per season, much due to his recruiting efforts and player development. Prior to LCSC, he spent two years as a graduate assistant coach at Western Illinois University (WIU). Before that, he served as a volunteer assistant coach at Odessa Junior College in Texas, where he worked for NJCAA Hall of Fame Coach Dennis Helms. Johnson earned his Master's in Sports Management at WIU after graduating in 2008 from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a Business Marketing degree.
Originally hailing from Wichita, Kan., Johnson first enrolled at Butler CC before transferring to Oklahoma Wesleyan where he was a starter in his final two seasons. He finished with 1,207 career points and drained more than 250 three-pointers. While captaining the squad during his senior season, he led Oklahoma Wesleyan to a 26-8 record, marking the best season ever for the team. Ultimately, the team made its first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament where it advanced to the Sweet 16 Round. For his efforts, he was a two-time All-Midlands Conference selection, and he was named Oklahoma Wesleyan's Male Athlete of the Year in 2008.
Additionally, Johnson has been active in volunteer and ministry work with both the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action. Johnson is married to former LCSC Volleyball All-American, Kelli Tikker.
What others have to say about Austin Johnson:
Brandon Rinta, Lewis-Clark State College Head Men's Basketball Coach
"Austin has been one of the main driving forces in the success of our program. He is more than ready to take that step as head coach and I couldn't think of a better fit than Corban University. They are getting a committed leader who is passionate in his faith and the game of basketball."
Wayne Tinkle - Oregon State University Head Men's Basketball Coach
"This is a big-time hire for Corban University. Austin is a real up and comer. He is an incredible human being, number one, and has a true knowledge of the game. Add all of that to his ability to relate to today's student-athletes and you've really hit the trifecta!
Ryan Looney - Seattle Pacific University Head Men's Basketball Coach
"Austin Johnson is a fantastic hire for Corban University. He is a man of great character and faith. Austin is a perfect fit for the mission of Corban. He has a great work ethic, recruits extremely hard, and has a great reputation throughout the northwest. It will be fun to watch this program grow under Austin's leadership."
Gary Picone - Lewis-Clark State College Director of Athletics
"Austin Johnson will be a terrific head basketball coach at Corban University. His strong character qualities combined with his passion to coach and educate young people will be obvious from his first day on the job. He has made a significant contribution to the success of our men's basketball program, and I expect he will make an immediate impact at Corban University."
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