Andrew Johnson Joins U of U Coaching Staff

SALT LAKE CITY — Director of Skiing Eli Brown has added two new coaches to his staff. Former U.S. Ski Team athlete Andrew Johnson has accepted the position of assistant cross country coach, while Sean McKenna will join the team as an assistant alpine coach.

Johnson spent five years on the U.S. Ski Team as a cross country skier. He competed in the 2002 and 2006 Olympics and at the Nordic World Ski Championships in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Johnson’s best Olympic finish was a 22nd in the 30-km free race in 2002. He has won three U.S. Championships to his credit, with two in 2005 and a 30-km free title in 2006.

Johnson started his career racing at Middlebury College, but took leave to start the U.S. Ski Team’s residential program in Park City in 1999.

“We are fortunate to have another Olympian join our Nordic staff,” Brown said. “Andrew is a great teacher of the sport and has a strong competitive spirit.”

“I'm really excited to be joining a program so steeped in skiing history,” Johnson said. “I'm looking forward to joining this talent-laden team and phasing into the next stage of my ski career. I hope I can help these kids achieve their goals, both individually and as a team.”

McKenna was an alpine racer at Bates College from 2003-06′, qualifying for the NCAA Championships three times and serving as captain his junior and senior seasons. Prior to that, he spent two years racing with Quantum Sports Club in Breckenridge, Colo., and Green Mountain Valley School in Waitsfield, Vt.

Following graduation from Bates, McKenna took a year off to work in finance before returning to ski racing, working with the Mount Hood Summer Ski Camps and most recently with the Crested Butte Academy team.

“We are excited to have Sean join us as assistant alpine coach,” Brown said. “He has a true love for the sport and is excited to be back working at the college level.”

“I am thrilled to join the Utah ski team,” McKenna said. “Utah has an elite experienced team with the ability to win the NCAA championship. I am excited to work with the team and help bring another championship to Utah.”

Source: University of Utah