A New Leader

-By Jeffrey Kruczynski

It has been a long and strenuous road trip filled with various stops throughout the country, but Alfred Johnson has finally returned to the city of brotherly love. Holy Family University recently appointed Alfred Johnson the new head coach of the Men's Basketball team. "I am very grateful to Sister Francesca and Sandra Michael for giving me the opportunity to coach such a successful program."

For the past nineteen years, Alfred has coached basketball to hundreds of students and is an individual with rich experience in all NCAA divisions. Prior to coaching at the collegiate level, Alfred led the Germantown Friends High School Basketball team from 1984 to 1990. Alfred expanded on his previous coaching positions at Manor Junior College, Elizabeth State University, Alabama State University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, and St. Mary's College of Maryland. Upon hearing about the opening at Holy Family, Alfred jumped at the chance to obtain the position. "I am very excited to be back in Philadelphia."

I recently asked the new coach what his goals were for the upcoming season? He would like the team to be competitive on a daily basis, build a sense of trust with the players, and win as many games as possible. Alfred also believes it is a coach's duty to help the team gain national exposure in order to attract better athletes graduating from high school.

One of the biggest influences in Alfred's decision to become a head coach was David Felsen. David Felsen was his high school coach, a man he loved and adored. "I wanted to follow in his footsteps by giving to the players what he gave to me. He taught me a sense of respect and commitment and taught me to love the game of basketball." Alfred added that David allowed the players to feel confident about themselves.

At this time, I would like to welcome Alfred Johnson to Holy Family University and wish him good luck on the upcoming season. LET'S GO TIGERS!