Wilbert Johnson was named the Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field Coach at Virginia State University in November 2016.
Johnson brings over 15 years of collegiate coaching experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, and winning traditions to the land of Trojan.
Since being hired Johnson has hit the ground running.
The women’s team won the 2019 CIAA Indoor Track & Field Team Championship. It was the first women’s indoor track & field Championship team title since the 2012 season. The men’s team finished as runner-ups.
During Cross Country season the men’s team won its second in a row CIAA Cross Country Championship team title. The women finished 4th overall.
Johnson’s second season proved his promise to winning championships.
Under the leadership of Coach Johnson freshman Jade Jordan finished 4th in the women’s high jump with a jump of 5”8 ¾” and sophomore Jeia Gilliam finished 2nd overall in the women’s discus during the 2018 NCAA DII Outdoor Track & Field championship with a throw of 175’8”.
Both men’s and women’s Outdoor Track & Field teams finished 2nd overall during the 2018 CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship.
The men’s Indoor Track & Field team won its 1st CIAA Indoor Track & Field team Championship since 1981. The women’s team finished as runner-ups.
The men’s Cross Country team captured its 1st CIAA Cross Country Championship team title since 2008, with Tyreece Huff being named 2017 CIAA Cross Country MVP during the Championship.
The men’s team finished 3rd overall and the women’s team finished 4th during the 2017 CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship.
During his 1st Indoor track & Field season, the men’s team finished 2nd and the women’s team finished 4th overall during the 2017 CIAA Indoor Track & Field Championship.
CIAA Coach of the Year Awards
2019 Women’s Indoor Track & Field Coach of the Year
2018 Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year
2017-2018 Men’s Indoor Track & Field Coach of the Year
2017 Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year
*ALL AMERICANS ALL AMERICANS
Men Women
2018 Allen Blair 200 meters (indoor) 2019 Jade Jordan High Jump (indoor)
2017 Richard Crick Triple Jump (outdoor) 2018 Jade Jordan High Jump (outdoor)
2018 Jeia Gilliam Discus (outdoor)
2017 Phontavia Sawyer Shot Put (outdoor)
*CIAA Field Athlete of the Year
2019 Kenya Warner (indoor)
*CIAA MVP Runner of the Meet
2019 Kyla Frank (indoor)
2018 Kyla Frank (outdoor)
*CIAA MVP Field Athlete of the Meet
2019 Kenya Warner (indoor)
2018 Dajawn Williams (outdoor)
Prior to Virginia State University, Johnson’s first head coaching experience was with the Panthers of Virginia Union University whereas he spent seven seasons from 2009 thru 2016. During his tenure at Virginia Union University, he coach one National Champion and 32 ALL AMERICANS. Johnson also coached three Men’s CIAA Cross Country Championship teams to win the 2014, 2015, and 2016 team Championship. Johnson won Coach of the Year four times while at helm at Virginia Union University.
2016 Men’s Cross Country
2015-2016 Men’s Indoor Track & Field
2015 Men’s Cross Country
2014 Men’s Cross Country
Johnson got his start coaching collegiately at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. He was an assistant track & field coach from 2000-2009 under the leadership of Olympic 100 meter finalist Head Coach Rey Robinson. Johnson started at a program that had a history of success. During his nine seasons at Florida A&M University, Johnson assisted the track team to several MEAC Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field Team Championships.
Johnson was no stranger to competition himself, whereas he was a National Champion and four time ALL-AMERICAN in the 400 hurdles while competing at his alma mater, Florida Memorial University in Miami, Florida from 1987-1990.
Johnson graduated from Florida Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice in 1991.
Wilbert is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity since 1988.
Coach Johnson was born in Sanford, NC and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida.
