Johnson top student in management and marketing department

Wyoming senior Weston Johnson

Wyoming linebacker Weston Johnson has been named the Outstanding Senior in Marketing by the UW Department of Management and Marketing. The Wray, Colo., native will be honored at the College of Business Recognition Dinner on April 24.

“It is our goal that the student-athletes in our program excel both on the field and in the classroom,” said UW head football coach Dave Christensen. “For Weston (Johnson) to be named the top senior student in the marketing department is something we are very, very proud of.

“One of the first things we talk to our student-athletes and their families about when we recruit them, is the emphasis we put on them getting their degrees. This is a great honor for Weston, individually, and it is a reflection of the type of athletics program we have here at the University of Wyoming.”

Johnson said the honor means a lot to him.

“It can be hard sometimes to manage the demands of school and the demands of competing in college football," Johnson said. " I’m proud to be recognized with this award, and I know my parents are proud of this accomplishment.”

Johnson is the son of Jill and Blane Johnson. He started all 12 games for the Cowboys in 2008, and he has one year of eligibility remaining in 2009. He has earned Academic All-Mountain West Conference honors each of the past three years, and has achieved a 3.45 cumulative grade-point-average in marketing at UW.

When asked what his career plans were after completing his college degree, Johnson said, ”I hope to use my marketing degree to somehow stay in athletics. I don’t know exactly what form that will take at this time, but I enjoy being involved in sports and want to continue that whenever my playing days are over.”

Johnson ranked fourth on the Cowboy football team in tackles in 2008, with 78 total tackles. He was part of a Wyoming defense that ranked No. 38 in the nation in total defense, allowing opponents only 329.7 yards per game. The UW defense also ranked No. 31 in the NCAA in pass defense, giving up an average of only 189.5 yards passing per game to opponents