<\/a>
\nReagan Harvey
\nMC301 Contributor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Coach Omar Johnson, Jackson State University\u2019s head baseball coach for seven years, stresses the importance of balancing academics and sports to his players.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere 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,\u201d said Johnson.<\/p>\n

Since Johnson\u2019s tenure began at JSU, he has led the team to numerous accomplishments: most recently, the 2013 SWAC Championship Title.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Coach Johnson has many short and long term goals for the 2014 spring season.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have certain goals set for every season. We of course want to win our division\u2026we want to win at least 30 games per season. That\u2019s a big number for us,\u201d said Johnson who takes pride in his pitching and defensive staff being top ranked in the SWAC athletic conference. <\/p>\n

The spring season begins Feb. 14, 2014 in a match against South Dakota State University at the JSU home baseball field.<\/p>\n

His coaching philosophy remains one of simplicity: Everyone, no matter what, has to be on one accord for the benefit of the team.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing a baseball player is a full-time job, and what these players do is special,\u201d said Johnson.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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