×

NMU’s Johnson repeats All-American performance

BRADENTON, Florida – For the second straight season, junior Samanthia Johnson of Northern Michigan University earned first team All-American accolades in the discus based on her performance at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Friday.

“I’m very proud of Samanthia,” Wildcats head coach Jenny Ryan said. “She worked so hard to get where she is, and she represented Northern Michigan very well today.”

Johnson finished sixth in the field of 21 throwers, posting a distance 155 feet, 10 inches on her first attempt. She was one of nine athletes who qualified for the finals and the only one of that group who did not foul on any attempt.

After her 155-10 toss, Johnson recorded distances of 139-0, 143-1, 148-10, 140-7 and 146-0.

At the 2015 national championship meet in downstate Allendale, Johnson set a school record with a distance of 159-2, good for eighth place.

Johnson is the second Wildcat thrower to earn All-American honors this season. At the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, junior Jasmine Williams made the second team by placing 11th in the weight throw in 58-0.50.

“Luke Pease has done an incredible job with our throwers,” Ryan said of her assistant coach. “He’s prepared them to compete on a national level, and I can’t wait to see what they do in the future.”

Sophomore teammate Ine Mylle qualified to compete in the triple jump but scratched due to an injury suffered at practice Wednesday.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today