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Kaneland's Johnson recommended to replace Kerkman

Kaneland boys basketball coach Brian Johnson is the recommended candidate to succeed the retired Gordie Kerkman as West Aurora's new boys varsity basketball coach.

"It's going to go in front of the (West Aurora School District 129) board, and after the board makes this decision we'll know for sure," Johnson said.

His approval as basketball coach and physical education teacher will be put before the school board at its regularly scheduled meeting from 5-9 p.m. Monday, June 15, at West Aurora High School.

Johnson, who turns 36 in July, owns a record of 99-68 with two conference championships in six seasons at Kaneland.

The first of Johnson's two regional championships, capping the 2011-12 season, was the Knights' first regional title since 1999; Kaneland's 17 victories in Johnson's first season in 2009-10 were the most since 1994-95.

Last season Kaneland went 14-16, the lowest number of wins in his six seasons.

A basketball player at St. Edward High School in Elgin before graduating in 1997, Johnson played for two Sweet 16 teams for the Green Wave under coach Kevin Dix. Johnson played at Judson University, team captain his junior and senior seasons and most valuable player as a senior.

Gaining his bachelor's degree in physical education from Judson in 2002, he remained a fifth year as a student assistant coach to Judson men's basketball coach Jim Condill.

Hired at Dundee-Crown by former Chargers boys coach Bruce Firchau, Johnson coached six years there, four as head sophomore coach and one season as varsity assistant to head coach Lance Huber.

Johnson then served a season as a varsity assistant on Kerkman's varsity staff at West Aurora before taking over at Kaneland.

Married and a father of two young children, Johnson lives in Sugar Grove but is a resident within the District 129 high school district.

"We are very pleased to recommend Brian Johnson to the board on Monday," said West Aurora athletic director Jason Buckley.

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