Washington State University Athletics
Ken Johnson Profile - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
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Ken joins the WSU staff after 10 successful seasons as head coach at Walla Walla Community College, where he led the Warriors to a 266-149 record (1989-99). His WWCC teams advanced to the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges post-season tournament nine times, finished second (1990, 1994) and tied for third (1998, 1999) twice. Johnson also guided the Black and Gold to an undisputed or shares of the NWAACC Eastern Region title six times. In addition to his successful record on the field, Johnson was also named Eastern Region Coach of the Year six times. During his tenure at WWCC, Johnson tutored 17 players who moved into the professional ranks and 90 of his Warrior players advanced to play at four-year colleges.
Johnson also has an extensive playing career on the diamond. The New York Yankees selected the Redwood (CA) High School graduate in the second round of the 1968 baseball draft. After five years in the Yankees and California Angels minor league systems he returned to the classroom, and earned his bachelor's degree from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo in 1976. His first coaching opportunity came at Cuesta (CA) Community College, where he served four years (1973-76) as an assistant. After a three-year stint at New Cuyama (CA) High School (1976-79), Johnson moved to Washington State to assume the reigns of the Eisenhower High School baseball program.
In ten years (1980-89) at the helm, his Cadets reached the state AAA semi-finals three times. His Eisenhower High teams were 175-76 and earned a berth in the State baseball playoffs every season. His rosters included nined players that went on to sign professional contracts, including standouts such as future NFL quarterback Cary Conklin, Pat Leahy, current Boston Red Sox catcher Scott Hatteberg and relief pitcher Bob Wells. Another 30 players went on to play baseball at four-year colleges.
While at WWCC, Johnson garnered his Master's Degree in athletic administration from Central Washington University in 1992, and was a member of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation department faculty. Perhaps his highest honors came near the end of his WWCC tenure. He was one of six coaches (three junior college mentors) chosen to participate at the 1996 United States Junior Olympic Baseball Trials in Joplin, Missouri. In 1997, Ken was inducted into the Marin County, California, and Washington State Baseball Coaches Association Halls of Fame.
Johnson was hired by WSU Head Baseball Coach Steve Farrington in the summer of 1999 and will instruct Cougar hitters, fielders, and help in recruiting. Ken and his wife Karen have two children, son Kelly and daughter Kisa.
