Lakota East senior William Johnson made district track history on Saturday winning a state championship in the 800-meter race at the Ohio Division I state track and field championships at Ohio State University.

Johnson, who was second most of the race, sprinted past Brunswick’s Daniel White in the final 100 meters to claim the crown.  His time of 1:52.82 shattered Lakota alum Jim Hedrick’s time of 1:53. 57 established at the 1984 state finals.

Hedrick (Class of 1985) finished fifth in that race and held the mark as one of the oldest running records in Lakota District history.  Ironically, retiring Lakota East running guru Jason Lindsey coached both Hedrick and Johnson.  Johnson now holds district records in the 400 (set earlier this season) and 800.  He was also a member of the record setting 3,200 meter relay team that won last year’s state title for the Thunderhawks. 

“I wanted to leave a running legacy before I finished my high school career at East,” said Johnson, who received an athletic scholarship to run at Jackson State next fall.  “This race put me on the map as an 800 runner.”  William has a full schedule of running events over the summer that will culminate with a trip to Beijing, China to compete in the IAAF World Championships August 1-12. 

Johnson comes from a family of runners.  Both his parents were collegiate runners with his father qualifying for the 1984 and 1988 Olympics in the 100-meter dash. 

“Getting to the 2008 Olympics is one of my goals,” commented Johnson.  “Going into college I know my times are good.  I’m just hoping to continue to get stronger and faster and see what happens.” 

William will join his brother Tony (2004 State Wrestling Champion) with his own banner hanging from the rafters at Lakota East. 

“I wanted to go out with a bang,” exclaimed William.  “I’m glad that I could give Coach Lindsey another state champion as a nice retirement gift.”