Raising the Bar

The Saratoga Middle School track and field team has many rising stars who could be the future for the high school program. One athlete in particular is 8th grader Brody Johnson, who has broken four school records at Saratoga Middle School.

Johnson competed in Lander where he broke the Best of the Best record in the 200 meter dash. Johnson also broke state records for the best time for the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash and 200-meter hurdles. Johnson said this track meet was the best of the entire year.

“Our team was competing in Lander for the end-of-the-year meet,” Johnson said. “It was the best meet of the year and we faced tough competition. Breaking those records is not easy because you have other good programs.”

Johnson said he first started track at around 9 years old. He said ever since he competed he has loved it.

Johnson credits coaches Brianna Williams and Laurie Johnston who have worked with him. He also credits coach Casey Jones for helping him become successful in hurdles.

“Coach Williams and Coach Johnston are great,” Johnson said. “Coach Jones, my coach from last year, worked with me to get faster at hurdles.”

Johnson also plays football for Saratoga Middle School. He said he started playing pee-wee football when he lived in Kansas.

“I played pee-wee football when I lived in Kansas, Johnson said. “ Since then I have loved the sport and, once we moved to Saratoga, I played football. We only lost one game in my 6th-grade year and never lost again in my middle school career.”

Johnson said he has plans to join Coach Rex Hohnholt’s program in his freshman year. Johnson said he is not the only talented athlete on the middle school track and field team, he said other 8th graders on his team will also be the future for Saratoga High School’s program.

“I am excited and looking forward to being a part of Coach Hohnholt’s program when I start my freshman year, “ Johnson said. “Our 8th grade class has great athletes in track, basketball and football. My class has the best group to move from 8th to the freshmen class.”

Willams said Johson is an amazing athlete who pushes himself to be the best. She said she sees a bright future ahead for Johnson.

“It is always a pleasure to have talented athletes like Brody come through our sports programs,” Williams said. “Brody is a natural sprinter and athlete who has accomplished amazing things in the past few years on the track.”

Williams said Johnson puts 100% In everything he does and always leads by example.

“Brody excelled and raised the bar for all of his teammates and other athletes across the state,” Williams said. “We wish him the best of luck in high school and we are excited to continue to watch him compete.”

Hohnholt said he is looking forward to coaching Johnson next season. He said the entire 8th-grade class will be building a bright future for his program as they become freshmen.

“Not only is Johnson an amazing athlete but his entire class has some outstanding track and field athletes,” Hohnholt said. “I believe next year’s freshman class is going to make a huge difference for our program and I can not wait to see what they can do.”