Chelsea Strutton

Writer

Known for providing motivation for his peers both on the track and off, senior Lane Johnson is amidst his second season as a member of the Marlow High School Cross Country team.

Despite being fairly new to the sport, Johnson has been successful in achieving high placings during the current cross country season.

Having placed fourth in the junior varsity meet at Velma, eleventh in the junior varsity race at Chickasha and eighteenth in the varsity race at Marlow, Johnson has created a strong name for himself as a runner.

However, Johnson is a notable member of the team in more aspects than just running.

Having witnessed Johnson’s impact on his teammates, Assistant Cross Country Coach Matthew Ivory described Johnson as being a source of motivation for Johnson’s fellow runners.

“Lane is one of our most valuable members of the team,” stated Ivory. “He has a great set of friends here, and he’s excellent at encouraging his teammates.”

Having impacted his teammates throughout his involvement, Johnson has the support of his peers as he prepares for graduation.

When asked which of Johnson’s traits will aid him after high school, Ivory spoke about the characteristics Johnson has strengthened through Cross Country.

“There’s no doubt he will be successful in life with his positive attitude and his ability to persist through tough situations,” explained Ivory.

Taking the lessons he has learned from the sport, Johnson is determined to succeed in furthering his education after graduation from Marlow High.

Johnson voiced how he will apply the skills he learned from his involvement on the team.

“When I go to college and the work gets harder, I will be able to look back to Cross Country,” expressed Johnson. “I’ll remember that I put myself through a lot more than I thought I could, and I can apply that to my schoolwork.  It’ll make me try harder.”

With plans to attend Oklahoma Christian University and study Mathematics, Johnson aspires to pursue a career in Statistics.