Ex-CP coach Johnson takes over at Wheeler

Updated: May 11, 2011 10:17PM

The night he was formally introduced as the head coach of the Wheeler boys basketball program, Tom Johnson did not mince words.

“I think I’ve got the best job in Northwest Indiana,” he said. “(Athletic Director) Randy Stelter and (former Wheeler head coach) Mark Jones really built up the program well and we’re just hoping to continue that tradition.”

Johnson brings a career record of 190-181 to Wheeler, taking over for Jones, who posted a 130-36 record in his seven years with the Bearcats — including the 2010 Class 2A state championship.

A Zionsville native, Johnson’s 17-year coaching career began with a three-year stint at Oak Hill. In 1996, he moved to the helm of the Crown Point program, where he stayed for nine years — including a semistate appearance for the Bulldogs in 1998. Then, family demands pulled Johnson back to central Indiana.

“The only reason I left Crown Point was to be closer to my son who was living in Kokomo,” said Johnson. “But my wife, being from the region, really missed it up here, and so did I. Even though I’m from central Indiana, this was a place I really liked. My son is 16 now and he has a driver’s license, so that distance isn’t as much of an issue anymore.”

Johnson returned to the area last year, working at Highland as a teacher, assistant coach and athletic supervisor.

When Jones was forced to step down from the Wheeler head coaching position due to skin cancer, Johnson jumped at the opportunity.

“I really believe I have the best job in the region,” Johnson reiterated, “and it’s where I plan on finishing my career.”

During his tenure at Crown Point, Johnson said he heard plenty about the teams that Wheeler was churning out every season.

“What I remember are a lot of talented teams,” he said. “They had teams that were going to be a handful to play and you’d be fortunate if you ended up beating them. It didn’t matter what class they were; they were going to be a difficult opponent.”

The next basketball season is about five months away, but Johnson said he was already excited to meet his new squad.

“I’m looking forward to being out there on the floor with the kids,” he said. “I’m ready for that first workout with our team.”

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