Lakota East senior track star William Johnson has signed a letter of intent to run track at Jackson State.  Johnson, a 3-year varsity letter winner, hopes to compete in the quarter and half-mile events for the Tigers (Jackson, Miss.).  The Jackson State track program, members of the Southwest Atlantic Conference (Division I), recently produced several professional track athletes with a number of nationally ranked events. 

“I was impressed with the coach and feel that Jackson State will give me the best chance to run at the next level,” said Johnson.  “My goal is to run the fastest half-mile and quarter mile times in the history of the school.” 

Johnson recently competed in the Nike Indoor National Championships March 11-12 where he finished third (1:53.9) in the 800 meter run (2nd fastest time ever in the State of Ohio).

As a junior last season, William was part of the 4 X 8 relay team that won a state championship and individually finished fourth overall in the 800 meter run.  He also participated in football and wrestling during his high school career.  Johnson hopes to major in mass communications while at Jackson State.

Last year’s GMC Tennis Player of the Year, Lakota East senior Ryan Hamning, will continue his playing career at Cleveland State next spring.  Hamning, who finished with an 18-3 record in the 2005 season, is looking forward to the opportunity to play on the collegiate level. 

“I considered schools like Butler, Wright State and Toledo, but I really liked the coach and the returning players on the team,” said Hamning.  “The coach at Cleveland really knows the game and gave me the impression that he really wanted me to play there.” 

The Vikings are a Division I program and play in the Horizon League.   

Hamning will compete this spring as East’s No. 1 singles player.  Last season he was part of an East squad that set new program records for wins in a season (13-4), conference finish (2nd) and city ranking (4th). 

“Ryan is a dominating singles player,” said East’s head coach Greg Mahlerwein.  “He has grown from a power hitter to a complete tennis player.” 

The Hawks open their 2006 campaign at home on Thursday, March 29 against St. Xavier High School. 

- contributed to Hacks Sports