Jaguars lose Devin Jenkins and Coach Brian Johnson

As of last Tuesday, August 19, 2014 the Southern University’s track and field coach Brian Johnson is no longer with the Jag Nation. Taking on his new role as an assistant coach and recruitment leader at the University of Georgia. The former two-sport star at Southern participated in the 2008 Olympics as a long jumper prior to being named SU’s head coach in 2010. During his four-year stint at Southern, Johnson made a resounding impact on his players. “Coach Johnson was a great coach to us, he was someone who knew how to be in our position. I am glad to say that he was able to put his trust and time with every individual on the team,” said sophomore men’s sprinter Henry Woods. He wanted to complete a career at his alma mater, but the decision ultimately came down to providing a better financial situation as well as an opportunity to coach in the elite Southeastern Conference, commonly referred to as the SEC. But within the new movement he called himself a “Jaguar” for life. Johnson led the Jaguars’ men’s and women’s teams to second-place finishes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference outdoor championships last year while in his fourth season as coach. However, his career goal of becoming a SEC head coach combined with UGA’s extensive resources in the athletic department proved to be the determining factors. The Southern men’s track team also lost a vital piece to last year’s great conference run. The reigning SWAC 100 meter and 200 meter champion and Hawaii native, Devin Jenkins, decided to transfer to Texas A&M. The Jaguars are appreciative of their now former teammate but still remain confident that this season’s goals are well within reach. In his success it is noted that the team will not stop their progress. 
“He (Devin Jenkins) was a leader and encouraged every one of us. I wish him nothing but the greatest of success in his career. It is unfortunate he had to leave, but he’ll be leaving future SWAC Champions. The grind, blood, sweat, and tears will continue regardless of his absence,” said SU women’s junior sprinter Reyna Anderson. Southern University’s is banned from NCAA postseason competition, because of insufficient reporting of student-athletes’ Academic Progress Rates, were reported to be a non-factor in Coach Johnson and Devin Jenkins’ decision to move on. The practices and events for track and field don’t begin until after Labor Day, but Dr. William Broussard’s decision to find a new coach is therefore imperative.