Jack Johnson went from freshman walk-on to nearly making the cross country team's postseason roster as a sophomore. As a junior this season, Johnson made the postseason roster and has made a huge impact. After finishing fifth at the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championships to open the postseason, Johnson came in 10th at Saturday's NCAA West Region Championships to help lead the Wildcats to the regional title and earn Wildcat of the Week honors.
Johnson and teammates Kyle Medina and Connor Fisher ran in the lead pack until the very end of the 10-kilometer race, sparing Chico State's fans of too much drama. He crossed the finish line at Ash Creek Preserve in Monmouth, Oregon, in 30:22.7 and has now scored for the Wildcats in all four races this season. Johnson also became the 46th runner in Chico State cross country history with a top-10 regional finish on his resume.
Johnson and the Wildcats are now preparing for the NCAA Championship Finals, which will take place on Nov. 18 at Angel Mounds in Evansville, Indiana. Having already won their 16th consecutive CCAA title and 13th regional title in the past 15 seasons, the Wildcats will now attempt to put together their ninth NCAA Championship Finals podium finish (top four).
Johnson will be chasing a top-40 finish and All-America honor. If he gets it, he will become the 24th Wildcat to earn All-Conference, All-Region, and All-America honors in the same season. Not bad for a walk-on.
