By Hayden Swope

Chase Johnson, a wrestler at Minneapolis, was chosen as the American Family Insurance Athlete of the Month. Coming off of his first state title win last season, Johnson has a lot to prove this year. 

“It is an honor to be chosen for the magazine,” Johnson said. “Since I was a kid I always got USA Wrestling Magazines, VYPE Magazines, and many others. It really is like a dream come true.”

With a long offseason of mostly wrestling and training, Johnson is looking forward to that state meet quickly approaching. 

“This season I really am just focused on defending my state title,” Johnson said. “Since I was a kid I wanted to have more state titles than my dad. I want to reach 100 career wins, as well as maybe try and beat some of our school records. I am not looking at any stats in particular but I want to have a memorable career at Minneapolis High School.”

Coming off of that victory feeling, Johnson spent his time off preparing for the next season, staying in shape while also strengthening his skills. 

“I wrestled over the summer and went to camp just trying to keep in shape,” Johnson said. “Also to improve my technique and overall wrestling ability I really focused on being aware of how I was moving on my feet and looking for angles on a shot.”

Johnson hopes to always stay in the wrestling world, and even has aspirations to continue playing the sport he loves in college.  

“I plan on attending college and getting a degree in a field that is undecided as of right now,” Johnson said. “I would like to wrestle in college. Wrestling has brought many memories, and I have come to love the sport I’ve been doing for so long.”