Comes to San Diego State from the junior college ranks ... After a stellar first season of JC ball was sidelined by injury for the 2009 campaign ... Could contribute this year for the Aztec pitching staff as a short reliever ... Played during summer 2007 for the Mission Viejo White Sox in the Pacific Baseball League.
JUNIOR COLLEGE
Spent two seasons at Saddleback Junior College in Mission Viejo, Calif. ... Made one appearance as a sophomore (opening day in 2009) before suffering an injury and undergoing surgery that ended his season ... Team captain in 2009 as Gauchos advanced to Super Regionals and finished eighth in the state ... During his freshman season (2008), compiled a record of 4-2 with a 4.60 earned run average ... Struck out 42 and walked 15 over 58.2 innings ... Nine of his 19 appearances came in a starting role ... Was named the team[apos]s Pitcher of the Year ... Dean[apos]s list student in 2009.
HIGH SCHOOL
Played one season of varsity baseball at Mission Viejo High School in Mission Viejo, Calif ... Coached there by Chris Ashbach.
PERSONAL
Zachary Thomas Johnston was born April 28, 1988, in Saginaw, Mich. ... Son of Mark Johnston and Gloria Sims ... Enjoys the beach, working out and spending time with family and friends ... Favorite athlete is New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez ... Was also recruited by Oregon, Oklahoma State, UC Santa Barbara and Hawai[apos]I ... A kinesiology major at San Diego State with plans to pursue a career as a sports trainer.