In June of 2021, Bates College Director of Athletics Jason Fein announced the appointment of Curtis Johnson, associate head coach of men's and women's track and field, as head coach of Bates men's cross country and track and field. In 2022, Johnson transitioned to leading the men's and women's track and field programs.
Johnson succeeded the recently retired Al Fereshetian, and became the men's program's third head coach since 1952. He joined Bates' men's and women's track and field coaching staff as an assistant coach in 2016, and was promoted to associate head coach of both programs in 2019.
"I am honored to transition into the role of head coach of the Bates track and field programs," said Johnson. "I owe tremendous thanks to Jason Fein and Senior Associate AD Celine Cunningham, and to Al Fereshetian and Jay Hartshorn, for recognizing me for this opportunity, and positioning me to both continue these programs' traditions and to achieve new successes. I'm especially thankful to coach and mentor the amazing student-athletes that make it all happen."
"Not only has Curtis been a superb assistant and associate head coach, but also an outstanding member of the athletic department and the Bates community, for five years," said Fein. "His leadership philosophy, coupled with his extensive experience in educating our student-athletes, make him the perfect person to steer our program into its next chapter. I am delighted, and I think Bates is very fortunate, that the track and field program's tradition of excellence will continue under Curtis's leadership."
Johnson has proven to be a highly effective coach at Bates since the 2016-17 academic year, focusing primarily on sprint events for the men's and women's teams and serving as the primary strength and conditioning coach for sprints, hurdles, jumps and women's cross country. His organizational skill and attention to detail continued to be of vital importance during the gap in competition in 2020 and 2021 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past academic year, Johnson has worn a number of hats while making vital contributions around campus, including as an interim program coordinator in the Office of Intercultural Education.
"I'm so excited that Curtis decided to accept this position at Bates," said Hartshorn. "I have really enjoyed working with him the past five years, and I know he's ready to fill these big shoes and to put his own stamp on the program. I couldn't be more excited to work with him to better the experience of the student-athletes for both teams."
Born and raised in New Jersey, Johnson is a graduate of American International College, where he was a seven-time NCAA Division II national qualifier and a three-time All-American. Between 2012 and 2014, he competed at the NCAA Division II Championships in the 800 meters, in two 4x400 relays, in three distance medley relays, and in cross country. Johnson earned a B.A. in communications in 2014, and went on to earn a master's degree in public administration from the University of New Haven in 2016.
"My passion for track and field led me to Bates, but my experience here is what has kept me," said Johnson. "Over the last five years, I've learned first-hand that our community represents a high level of success and unique character, and our cross country and track and field programs are no different. My goal will be to continue recruiting and developing student-athletes who seek impactful roles in our community, success as student-athletes, and continuous challenge as a whole person. Finding this competitive balance is very important to our team's success at the state, NESCAC and NCAA level."
