Wednesday, August 15, 2012

PORTLAND, Ore. – Former Western Oregon University track and field All-American Bridget Johnson has been appointed assistant commissioner of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.  

Johnson, who has been the associate head track and field and cross country coach at Pacific (Ore.) University since 2008, officially began her duties Aug. 6. Johnson also previously served as an assistant coach at Western Oregon University between 2006 and 2008.

Her primary areas of focus with the GNAC, an NCAA Division II conference with membership in five states and Canada, will be NCAA compliance and championship administration.

Johnson competed in track and field at Western Oregon between 2003 and 2006 and is still the all-time point scorer in GNAC Outdoor championship meet history with 115 points.  During her career, she won four GNAC titles (heptathlon in 2005 and 2006, 100 hurdles in 2006 and 4x400 relay in 2005) and twice earned NCAA Division II All-American honors in the heptathlon (2005-06).

“We are extremely excited to have Bridget back in the GNAC where she excelled as a student, athlete and coach,” said GNAC Commissioner Dave Haglund. “Since leaving Western Oregon University, she has worked her way up the coaching and administrative ranks, and she comes to us highly recommended for her work ethic, passion and professionalism. There is no doubt she will be a great addition to the GNAC and serve our membership well.”

"I am honored to receive the appointment as GNAC assistant commissioner,” Johnson said.  “This is a once in a life time opportunity and a dream of mine to get involved with athletic administration   I am excited to come back to the GNAC where I was a student- athlete and started my coaching career.

“There have been numerous individuals at Western Oregon University, Pacific University and within the GNAC that have helped me achieve my goals in athletics and academics. It is now my turn to help individuals within the GNAC achieve their goals.  I am looking forward to serving as the as the GNAC assistant commissioner and am committed to helping take our conference to the next level."

 Johnson, who is a 2008 graduate of the NCAA Women’s Coaching Academy, has extensive experience in event management at Western Oregon and Pacific including serving as the meet coordinator for the GNAC Track and Field Championships two years ago. At Pacific, she was the event supervisor for football, basketball, volleyball and soccer.  She has also served on the USTFCCCA NCAA DIII National Awards Committee since 2010.

Johnson, who is replacing Tricia Haddock, is a 2006 graduate of Western Oregon University earning a degree in health promotion.   She earned a master’s degree in education from WOU in 2008.  Johnson was a three-time Academic All-GNAC honoree as an undergraduate.