HIGHLANDER COACHING STAFF

ERIC JOHANNSEN
POSTION: Varsity Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Wide Receiver & Defensive Backs

YEARS COACHING: 13
EXPERIENCE: South Medford, University of Oregon
Email: eric@nehighlanderfootball.com

Playing Experience: Played running back and kicker for Larry Walker at South Medford in 1989. Walked-on at Oregon as a place kicker. After two seasons, also played Wide Receiver upon coaches' suggestions. Participated in three bowl games: 1995 Rose, 1992 Independence, and 1990 Freedom

Personal: I have been teaching high school for the past nine years and coaching for the past thirteen. Essentially, it was my job as an assistant coach under Coach Jodoin in 1996 and 1997 that made me realize that these two careers were what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I am lucky enough to have a tremendously supportive family who graciously put up with the difficulties and stresses of being married to/having a father that's a coach. I am very proud of what we've been able to accomplish at North Eugene High School in the short time frame of two years. In addition to raising the level of competitiveness and enthusiasm around the football and track programs, we've also been able to develop and install an incredible new training facility that can be utilized by any student at North Eugene and upgrade much of the equipment(Helmets, shoulder pads, jerseys, MATCHING warm-up suits for track.) that is used by our athletes on a daily basis. I am very happy to be back at North Eugene High School and believe the future holds some amazing things for all of the Highlander athletic teams.

MIKE JODOIN
POSTION: Varsity: Defensive Coordinator, Running Backs and Linebackers

YEARS COACHING: 30+

Personal: Anyone familiar with Highlander football knows Mike Jodoin and the impact he's had on the North Eugene football program over the past three decades. Not only is he responsible for more football victories than any other coach in North Eugene history, but he also was the last head coach to successfully lead a Highlander football team to the post season. Mike has developed a number of outstanding athletes over the years, including former NFL linebacker Kailee Wong ('93). Mike also has served as North's head softball coach since 1982, coaching a number of All-League and All-State selections and capturing many district titles and one State Championship.

ART BLUNT
POSTION: Varsity: Co-Special Teams Coordinator, Offensive/Defensive Line

YEARS COACHING: 30+

Personal: The senior member of the Highlander coaching staff, Art Blunt continues his many years of service with the Highlanders. Art has been connected to North Eugene athletics in one form or another for the past 32 years. Art will continue to help oversee the highlander special teams this season, a big reason why the Highlanders remained one of the top special teams units in the Midwestern League for 2006. Easily one of the players' favorite coaches, coach blunt once played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

AARON SCHERMERHORN
POSTION: Varsity/Junior Varsity Quarterbacks, J.V. Offensive Coordinator

YEARS COACHING:

Personal: New to the Highlander Coaching Staff for the '07 season, Coach Schermerhorn has a wealth of knowledge that his players have the benefit to draw upon. A tremendous student of the game, Aaron has an amazing understanding of the offensive side of the ball. Aaron has also coached in other successful programs such as; South Umpqua and Elmira High School.

ROB GILLIAM
POSTION: Varsity/Junior Varsity Defensive Line

YEARS COACHING: 8

Personal: Coach Gilliam joins the Highlander Coaching Staff in '07 after a successful career with the Marist Spartans. No one can question the success that Marist has had over the years and Coach Gilliam has been an integral part building their teams.

Tosh Bixby
POSTION: Varsity/Junior Varsity Defensive Backs
Years Coaching:

Personal:

Troy Fennell
POSTION: Freshman Head Coach
Years Coaching:

Personal:

Andrew White
POSTION: Freshmen: Running Backs, Linebackers
Years Coaching: 3

Personal: There are few players who truly have the heart of a champion. However, Coach White is unquestionably one of these people. In 2005, Andrew was selected as an honorable mention linebacker by the Midwestern League coaches and the Highlander Defensive Player of the Year by his teammates. His leadership will help to instill a great work ethic and knowledge of the game with future Varsity players.

Steve Smith
POSTION: Freshman Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs
Years Coaching:

Personal:

COREY NICHOLSEN
POSTION: Athletic Director

Personal: The man that makes it ALL happen.

Cesar Ocampo
POSTION: Athletic Trainer

Personal: