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Johnson opens Bearkat career with loss
Main Story: Former A&M coach Mark Johnson finds new home in Huntsville

By LARRY BOWEN
Eagle Sports Writer

HUNTSVILLE - There was no fairy-tale beginning to Mark Johnson's career at Sam Houston State. Brigham Young spoiled Johnson's debut by beating the Bearkats 17-8 at Sanders Stadium on Thursday night.

Johnson won his first game and 875 more during 21 seasons as head coach of the Aggies, and the crowd of 408 on a cold, foggy night included a couple dozen fans wearing Texas A&M caps or shirts.

The Bearkats went through pregame infield practice to the sound of Sweet Georgia Brown, just like the Aggies did under Johnson. The new coach drew a warm round of applause during pregame introductions, when the public address announcer noted that the new SHSU coach is a member of the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame.

Johnson's team had a few nice moments during the game, including a two-run single by former A&M Consolidated and Texas A&M player Keith Stein. That was part of a four-run rally in the third inning as SHSU took a 6-4 lead.

However, the Cougars took control with a five-run sixth and added seven runs in the last two innings.

Stein was one of three former A&M players who started for the Bearkats. Third baseman Austin Boggs batted cleanup and went 0 for 2 with three walks, while left fielder Todd Sebek was 0 for 4.

"I told the guys that it was one of those half-full, half-empty deals," Johnson said. "I thought we did a lot of things well for opening night. We scored eight runs against their top pitching, and I think they're a pretty good ballclub.

"For the first time out, I'm not that disappointed. I thought we competed hard. There were some indications of good things."