Jul 25, 2014 06:27 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Luke Agnini has been named the new Head Men's Rowing Coach at the Georgetown University. Agnini will replace Tony Johnson, who stepped down after 28 years at the helm of the program.

"Luke has a tremendous background at the collegiate level and in international competition and I think he is a great fit to lead our program and our student-athletes as we enter a new era for Georgetown Rowing," Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed said in a statement.

Agnini joins Georgetown after serving as the associate head men's rowing coach at the University of California for the last six years, beginning 2007-08 season.

"Two words come to mind when I think of Georgetown, tradition and excellence." Agnini said. "As one of America's top universities, I know the caliber of the student-athlete Georgetown will attract is incredibly high."

Agnini guided Gloden Bears to a victory in the Ladies Plate, earlier this month, and to top-four team finishes in the Collegiate National Championships between 2009-12 (second in 2009; first in 2010, third in 2011 and fourth in 2012). He also served as the head freshman coach and led the team to a second place finish in 2014 and a third place in 2013.

Prior to Cal, Agnini worked with the Pennsylvania Athletic Club from May-September 2007 and helped the squad win four national championships. He also held the role of the assistant director for the masters rowing association. Agnini also has stints with the St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia, in the springs of 2004 and 2005.

Agnini earned degrees in psychology and history from the Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, in 2002. He competed at the IRA Regatta while rowing at Marietta.

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