SPRINGDALE -- Scott Johnson has been hired as the new baseball coach at Springdale High, the district announced Friday.
He comes to Springdale from Star City, where he led the Bulldogs to five conference titles and the 2015 Class 4A state championship and a 143-72 record over nine seasons.
"I felt like this was a good opportunity for me as a coach to pursue my career," Johnson said. "I look forward to meeting the young men and the coaching staff up there and hitting the ground running."
Johnson replaces Shohn Doty, who left Springdale after two seasons to become the pitching coach at UNC-Charlotte.
Several pieces of Springdale's 2016 team, which finished 20-11 and made the 7A state tournament for the first time in 10 years, will be back next season, including All-NWADG Newcomer of the Year Andrew Roach.
"I knew that last year they had a big step with making the state tournament, and I know Coach Doty and his staff did a great job with the young men," Johnson said. "I don't feel any pressure. Sometimes change can be scary, but I feel confident."
Despite the regular-season success, Johnson's Star City teams sometimes struggled against conference foes in the regionals, making the state tournament just twice. The 4A-7 includes three other teams which have won state titles in the past decade.
"I know the 7A-West has a lot of good coaches, a lot of good talent," Johnson said. "It's going to be a challenge, but I've been fortunate to be around some good men that have helped me along the way and competed against a lot of good programs, so I feel like I'm ready for the opportunity."
-- Andrew Hutchinson • @nwahutch
Sports on 07/23/2016