Coaches

Justin Johnson will take over the reigns as head men's basketball coach of the NAIA II National Runner-Up Mayville State University Comets in 2007-2008.

Johnson was instrumental in helping lead MSU to three straight national tournaments as an assistant coach for the Comets over the past three seasons. He came to Mayville three years ago with former head coach Craig Smith to take over a program that had gone just 1-27 a year prior to their arrival. The duo collaborated to lead MSU to three straight NAIA II National Tournaments.

MSU went "From One Win... to In" the NAIA II National Tournament in 2004-2005 and followed that up with a record-setting season in 2005-2006. Mayville State set a school record for most wins in a season going 28-6 while winning MSU's first ever Dakota Athletic Conference Championship and advancing to the Elite Eight of the National Tournament.

Last season the Comets made history by becoming the only collegiate men's basketball team from North Dakota to play for a National Championship. The Comets advanced to the NAIA II National Championship in 2007 with wins over William Penn, Florida Memorial, Cedarville, and Northwestern. MSU fell in the title game to MidAmerica Nazarene. MSU finished the year with a 27-9 overall record, winning their second straight DAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships along the way.

"I'm incredibly honored to be able to continue what we started three years ago," Johnson said. "Mayville State University and the surrounding community hold a special place in my heart. The people here are an integral part of what we are trying to accomplish and we hope to continue working together toward our ultimate goal of success."