Reagan Harvey
MC301 Contributor
Coach Omar Johnson, Jackson State University’s head baseball coach for seven years, stresses the importance of balancing academics and sports to his players.
The Miami, Fla. native and the University of North Alabama graduate recalls many good memories and people in the mid-1990s that he found inspiration for his own coaching strategies.
“There are so many opportunities the university is offering, like Net Tutor and the Academic Enhancement Center. They can really excel as students, which is most important,” said Johnson.
Since Johnson’s tenure began at JSU, he has led the team to numerous accomplishments: most recently, the 2013 SWAC Championship Title.
Other awards include: first in the nation in stolen bases and finished 15th in triples 2003; 1st in the nation in stolen bases and 23rd in batting averages 2004; 1st in the nation in runs scored, 2nd in the nation in stolen bases and 2nd in batting averages 2005; 1st in the nation in batting averages, and 1st in runs scored 2006.
JSU won its 15th overall baseball title after defeating Prairie View A&M, 6-2, in the championship final of the 2013 SWAC Baseball Tournament held in Forth Worth, Texas. The last time the Tigers won the championship was in 2000.
Coach Johnson has many short and long term goals for the 2014 spring season.
“We have certain goals set for every season. We of course want to win our division…we want to win at least 30 games per season. That’s a big number for us,” said Johnson who takes pride in his pitching and defensive staff being top ranked in the SWAC athletic conference.
The spring season begins Feb. 14, 2014 in a match against South Dakota State University at the JSU home baseball field.
His coaching philosophy remains one of simplicity: Everyone, no matter what, has to be on one accord for the benefit of the team.
“Being a baseball player is a full-time job, and what these players do is special,” said Johnson.
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