By Matt Browning

At the 2019 5A track tournament, Salina South senior A.J. Johnson finished eighth in the triple jump.

But Johnson was far from pleased with that result.

“Taking eighth in state was not something I was very proud about,” Johnson said. “I am very competitive and want to always be the best I can possibly be.”

Johnson is a three-sport star at Salina South, playing football and basketball as well as track.

While he doesn’t train specifically for track, Johnson’s conditioning for football and basketball only benefit him during the track season.

“I feel like I have progressed from sophomore to senior year just from growing as far as speed, strength, and being flexible within my build,” Johnson said.

Johnson used his experience two years ago as not only a motivating factor this season, but he also used it as a teaching moment.

“It was a great experience seeing the guys who were older than me, and had better technique, and form than I did,” Johnson said. “It was a great opportunity for a learning experience and I’m glad that’s what I got.”