T.W. Johnson Named New Head Coach at Hobart

Hobart Sports Information

GENEVA, N.Y. - Hobart and William Smith Colleges announced today that Thomas W. "T.W." Johnson Jr., who has served as assistant coach of the Hobart lacrosse team for four seasons, has been promoted to head coach. Johnson's appointment follows Matt Kerwick's '90 announcement that he is stepping down as head coach.

"T.W. Johnson brings a great deal of experience and aptitude to the lacrosse program and Hobart athletics," says Hobart Athletic Director Mike Hanna '68. "As a Division II head coach, he won an NCAA title and in 2004 received the Francis "Babe" Kraus Award as the Division II Coach of the Year. We were lucky to have such an accomplished candidate already at Hobart."

Since arriving at Hobart in 2004, Johnson has been instrumental in the team's success. During the 2008 season, the Statesmen posted an 8-6 record, including a 4-3 mark in the ECAC Lacrosse League. Working closely with Hobart's defense, Johnson guided the Statesmen into the top 10 nationally in man-down defense twice over the past four years, No. 4 in 2008 (.810) and No. 10 in 2005 (.750). The 2008 defense also set a Hobart Division I record by allowing just 7.71 goals per game, 15th in the nation. His work with the defense has influenced the development of two All-ECAC selections, two North-South All-Stars, and an All-American.

"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," says 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," says 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."

"It is Hobart's good fortune that we have a coach of T.W.'s personal and professional profile on our staff," says Hanna. "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."

"T.W. is well-regarded by our student-athletes, faculty, staff, and coaches, as well as coaches and administrators throughout the lacrosse community and has been a tremendous asset to the Colleges in his four years here as a coach," says Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Robb Flowers. "This appointment also allows us to maximize the retention of our recruits and sustain the commitment of our current student-athletes."

"Coach Johnson is highly respected among his coaching peers," says Princeton University Head Coach Bill Tierney. "He's a great choice to be Hobart's next head coach of lacrosse."

"Coach Johnson is focused on creating a bright future for Hobart lacrosse," says Chair of the Board of Trustees David H. Deming '75. "With his leadership on the field, we have a fresh opportunity to engage with our alumni in conversations about the continued success of the Hobart lacrosse legacy."

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.