Randi Johnson Picked for Gannon Assistant Coach Job
By David Latva

Randi Johnson

Randi Johnson of St. Ignace, a part-time assistant coach at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, accepted a full-time position as assistant coach, announced by Head Coach Cleve Wright Tuesday, May 1.

Johnson, a 2000 alumnus of LaSalle High School, led the Saints to a Class C state championship in 1999.

During her senior season at Lake Superior State University, Johnson averaged 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.2 steals in her senior season, while receiving All- American, All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) First Team, Defensive Team, and Academics, and ESPN The Magazine Academic All- Region.

"Randi has worked hard during her first year as a part-time assistant, especially with recruiting and her knowledge of the game of basketball, and her education background as a teacher is outstanding," said Coach Wright. "She is a great fit for our program. I love the job she did this past year and I have high expectations with her new responsibilities."

Gannon University posted a 25-6 overall record in 2006-07, one victory shy of the school's single season mark. It defeated Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan Tech, and Hillsdale to win the school's first GLIAC championship and qualified for the NCAA Division II tournaments. The Knights upended Grand Valley State University in the first round, but fell to Ferris State University in the regional semifinals.

Amanda Blaskowski

Coach Wright, in his fifth season at Gannon, and was named GLIAC Coach of the Year.

Gannon Signs First

Michigan Prospect Gannon University signed its first Michigan prospect. Amanda Blaskowski of Cheboygan signed a National Letter of Intent Monday, April 23, to continue her academic and athletic career for the Knights.

"We are excited to have Amanda as part of our program," said Coach Wright. "She is a versatile guard who moves extremely well on the court and has excellent court vision. Amanda can score in multiple ways, rebound from the perimeter, and plays spirited defense."

Blaskowski earned Class B All- State honors, Straits Area Conference Player of the Year, and All- Region and All-Area Teams during her senior season when she averaged 17 points and 4.6 steals and assists while leading the Chiefs to the final four in the Michigan High School Athletic Association tournaments.

"Gannon fits me with the size of the school, and the coaches have been very honest and kept in contact with me," said Blaskowski.

Blaskowski, a valedictorian at Cheboygan High School is the daughter of Kurt and Carol Blaskowski.