Ex-Kennedy coach lands D-I job

LOGAN, Utah -- Former Cedar Rapids Kennedy softball coach Steve Johnson has been named head softball coach at Utah State University.Johnson replaces Carissa Kalaba, who resigned as head coach in May. He has served as an assistant coach at Auburn the last five years."Utah State athletics has established itself as a winner across the board, and I look forward to building the softball program into one that competes nationally and in the Mountain West.  We will look to build on the tradition of the past, recruiting quality student-athletes that will continue to represent Utah State with pride," Johnson said.A native of West Des Moines, Johnson compiled a 153-164 record in six years as head coach at UNC-Pembroke, prior to going to Auburn in 2009.He began his coaching career at Kennedy, serving there from 1997 to 2000. His 1999 team advanced to the state tournament; it was Kennedy's last state qualifier.