Thursday, May 29, 2014

Johnson named Interim Head Football Coach at Cheyney U.

Coach Anthony Johnson Takes the Reins of the Cheyney Wolves Football Program
Photo Courtesy: Cheyney University Athletics

CHEYNEY, Pennsylvania  -- Anthony Johnson has been named Interim Head Football Coach. Johnson came to Cheyney in 2010 as the Offensive Coordinator under Head Coach Jeff Braxton and continued in that role under Coach Lockard. As the offensive coordinator, Johnson also coached the running backs and quarterbacks.

Prior to his appointment at Cheyney he spent three years at Salisbury University. While at Salisbury, Johnson was responsible for the running backs and slot backs which featured a nationally ranked offense and the number one rushing offense in the nation. Four of his backs earned all- conference honors and the Seagulls participated in the ECAC Southwest Championship Game.

Johnson was an All-Conference performer at Salisbury and the Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 at Salisbury University.  In 2004 as a player, the Seagulls finished the regular season undefeated, for only the third time in program history, and were ranked No.5 in the nation. He has won two conference championships and has two NCAA tournament appearances at Salisbury University.  Johnson earned a B.S. in Interdisciplinary studies specializing in Physical Education, while minoring in Athletic Coaching and a M.ED in Post-Secondary Education in 2010. He is an active member of the American Football Coaches Association.

"I am extremely grateful, honored, and blessed that Cheyney University has recognized all the hard work I have been doing for my four years at this University," Johnson states.  "I will surround myself with great men that bring a wealth of knowledge along with a passion for the game. We are leaders of men first and foremost under my leadership.  I understand that being an educator is the most important aspect of being a coach," he adds.  "My passion, energy, and competitive drive are noteworthy.  I thrive off helping each student reach his full potential by teaching core values that will enable all students to become visionary leaders and responsible citizens in society and life."

Lastly he states "Now being appointed Cheyney's Head Football Coach, my primary objective would be to revive the Cheyney University football program by changing the culture of the student athletes. I envision instilling an unparalleled work ethic, strict discipline, and mature self-confidence in the student athletes, thereby developing winners who want to contribute and help the football program grow to be a championship caliber team.  I further envision building a structured program with a solid foundation based off recruitment, education, community service, and fundraising. This will be done through the recruitment of staff and the efforts to adhere to all NCAA rules and regulations would be imperative."

As the offensive coordinator Johnson played a significant role in obtaining the first PSAC win in snapping a 32 game losing streak and a 24 game PSAC East conference losing streak with a 20-17 win at Millersville. That same season the Wolves scored a career high 34 points against West Chester University, the second most the Wolves have ever put on the scoreboard against the Golden Rams. In 1979, the Wolves scored 36 points and won by two. Johnson also led the Wolves offense to beat Lincoln the first time in school history two years in a row. Johnson has spoken at several Glazier clinics up and down the east coast on the Triple option.

It hasn't gone un-noticed that in each of the last three years one student athlete has been presented an Academic Award by the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Football foundation and College Hall of Fame.  Johnson has implemented a structured academic system for the student athletes to follow in the Academic Success Center which has led to improved retention rates.  The football roster has grown every year since Johnson has been associated with the program.  There has been an average of fifteen football student athletes that have earned a 3.0 GPA or better and been on the Dean's List each semester.

COURTESY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SPORTS INFORMATION

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