By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Former Topeka West and Washburn University tennis standout Brad Johnston has been named the head girls and boys tennis coach at Washburn Rural, taking over for longtime head coach Kevin Hedberg, who is retiring after 32 years at the school.
New Washburn Rural boys and girls tennis coach Brad Johnston talks to his team Monday afternoon. Johnston is a former Topeka West and Washburn University standout. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Johnston was a four-time state medalist for Topeka West, graduating in 2004, and a two-time All-MIAA first-team selection for Washburn University, qualifying for the NCAA tournament four straight years.
Johnson, who most recently coached at Landon Middle School, holds a bachelor's degree from Washburn and a master's from Fort Hays State University.
"I'm proud for the opportunity to lead this tradition-rich program,'' said Johnston, who met with his new team Monday afternoon. "Following in coach Hedberg's footsteps will be challenging, but I'm ready to hit the ground running. Tennis has been my life for so long and to be given this opportunity makes my hard work feel complete.
"I want to continue to produce great players, but also continue to produce quality young women and men. I'm excited to get the kids out on the court and find out what we have to look forward to for next year.''
Washburn Rural announced Johnston's appointment on Monday.
"We are excited to add coach Johnston to the WRHS coaching staff,'' incoming Rural athletic director Charlie Nimz said. "His knowledge of the game and success at every level of tennis will be an asset for our student-athletes. He will continue the tradition of excellence at Rural and provide the necessary leadership for this outstanding program.''
Hedberg is retiring after 43 years in teaching and coaching. He has coached five state championship teams at Rural (four boys and one girls), as well as singles and doubles champions in both boys and girls tennis and a long list of city and Centennial League title teams.
Johnston said he is proud to have the chance to take over for Hedberg, who he has known since his high school career.
"This is a once in a lifetime thing,'' Johnston told his Rural tennis players Monday. "Coach Hedberg, we were at a tennis tournament up in Manhattan and I was sitting there by himself, No. 1 singles as a freshman (for Topeka West) and he comes up and talks to me, even though I was the competition. That's where I learned where I wanted to go in my life.''
