The Middlebury native returned to Vermont in 2011, coaching the linebackers and leading the strength and conditioning program at Middlebury College. A 2006 graduate of Wesleyan, Johnston-Bloom spent four seasons at his alma mater coaching the defensive line and linebackers.

As a player, he was an immediate starter on the defensive line for the Cardinals as a rookie in 2002. He handled that role for all 32 games during his four seasons. A two-time all-NESCAC pick (2004 and 2005) and a two-year team captain, he amassed 177 total tackles with 15 sacks. During his senior year, he joined the lacrosse team for the first time as a faceoff specialist.

While assisting with the Wesleyan football program, he also worked with the lacrosse team as an assistant coach, leading the program to new heights with two NCAA appearances and a conference title.

Johnston-Bloom, who holds a master’s degree in liberal studies from Wesleyan is also a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA).

A 2002 graduate of Middlebury Union High School, Johnston-Bloom was a three-time All-State selection, captaining the Maple Sugar Shrine team in 2002, the same year he was inducted into the Vermont Chapter of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame.

Last season, he began the lacrosse program at Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania, becoming the program’s first head coach.