Joe opened a new chapter in his life this week by accepting a full time Assistant Coach position at the University of Missouri.
May 24, 2012
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Big 12 Champion Missouri wrestling team has announced several additions to the coaching staff, as confirmed Thursday by head coach Brian Smith. Included in the changes is the promotion of former volunteer assistant Joe Johnston to a full time assistant position, along with two former Mizzou grapplers – Mark Ellis and Todd Schavrien - returning to join the coaching ranks.
“We’re excited about these additions to our staff,” said head coach Brian Smith. “Every one of these coaches knows exactly what we are trying to do as a program and will be integral in us getting back on the podium at NCAA’s.”
Johnston takes over as an assistant coach after spending the last four years on Missouri’s staff, with three of those year spent as the team’s volunteer assistant. The Kansas City native joined the Mizzou staff for the 2008-09 campaign after spending two years as an assistant coach at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
“I’m extremely excited about getting to be even more involved in helping our team achieve their goals on the mat and helping them become good men off it,” said Johnston. “I have loved being a part of what is happening here at Missouri, and I think we are only going to keep getting better as a team.”
He was a two-time All-American at the University of Iowa at 157 pounds, which included a runner-up finish in 2005. This past April, Johnston competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, competing at the 66 kg weight class in Freestyle.
“I know Joe is looking forward to taking on more responsibility as a full time assistant,” said Smith. “He retired from Freestyle competition after this year’s Olympic Trials to put his time and effort into coaching and our program.”
