New Jersey native Mike Johansen is in his second season directing the strength and conditioning of the RU men’s basketball program. Under head coach Mike Rice, there is increased focus on the weight room so that the Scarlet Knights have the strength and energy necessary to compete in the rigorous BIG EAST Conference.
“Coach Johansen has an intensity and urgency that is consistent with the expectations for our program,” said Rice. “Mike is a good communicator who has the background and skill necessary to enable key gains. His role is extremely important, especially considering that he is the one coach that is allowed to have year-round contact with our players.”
“Our primary focus has been getting the guys as strong as possible, so they are ready to play the type of game that Coach Rice intends,” said Johansen. “The BIG EAST is a very physical conference. It is essential that our players have the strength required so they can meet those demands when they step on the floor.”
Johansen, and strength and conditioning department as a whole, subscribes to a free weight, Olympic-style program. Squats, cleans, presses and dumbbell exercises are among the many lifts utilized to achieve power and strength.
“The Olympic lifts we perform in the weight room transfer to greater success on the court,” added Johansen. “The ability to jump higher, change direction quicker and run faster is directly proportionate to the effort put forth in strength training.”
The Rutgers director of strength and conditioning for Olympic sports, Johansen is responsible for budgeting, scheduling of teams in the Louis Brown Athletic Center (RAC) Weight Room, and the supervision of the strength and conditioning staff. He serves as the head strength and conditioning coach for men’s and women’s basketball and baseball.
A native of Lyndhurst N.J. and a graduate of Queen of Peace High School, Johansen has worked with several teams during his tenure at Rutgers, including football, men’s lacrosse, field hockey and men’s soccer.
Johansen graduated from Montclair State in 1992, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education with an emphasis on adult fitness. He is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Johansen and wife Susan reside in Freehold Township with their infant son Alex.
