Former West Liberty standout Johnny Bonar returns for his ninth season as an assistant coach at his alma mater.
After producing a series of productive pass catchers for the Black and Gold, highlighted by Dan Monteroso’s All-MEC season in 2016, Bonar made a smooth transition to running backs coach. In 2021 Tyler Moler posted four 100-yard rushing games en route to earning All-MEC Honorable Mention honors, while in 2022 Quincy Wimbish Jr. returned to the field and claimed All-MEC Second Team honors after posting three 100-yard rushing games and WLU’s first 200-yard game since 2015. Most recently in 2023, Rashawn Harry earned All-MEC First team honors leading the MEC in receptions per game (7.1) and receiving touchdowns (8), ranking eighth and 24th receptively in those NCAA D-II categories.
Before joining the WLU staff, Bonar spent five years as an assistant coach at Bishop Donahue (W.Va.) High School. He was also selected as a member of the West Virginia coaching staff for the 2015 Rudy Mumley OVAC Charity All-Star Classic.
A four-year letterman and three-year starter from 2005-08, Bonar was one of WLU’s most reliable wideouts throughout his career. He caught a total of 89 passes for 1,445 yards and scored five touchdowns in four seasons with the Black and Gold, capping his career with a pair of 100-yard receiving games during his senior season.
Bonar was a standout wide receiver at John Marshall (W.Va.) High School, where he was a favorite target of future West Liberty teammate and NCAA Division II All-American Zach Amedro. A multi-sport athlete, Bonar was also a two-time All-OVAC selection in basketball for the Monarchs.
Johnny and his wife Katrina have two children, Jackson and Kennedy.
