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Sky Johnston -

One of the fine tradition in recent decades in California has been the success of the Desert Christian (Lancaster) program in Southern California's high desert. With a small student body, the school's ability to crank out good individuals and teams year after year is a real tribute. Faced with very, very hot summer training conditions, the members of the team have to really work around the heat during that time of year, as our interviewee, team leader of the Boys' squad, Sky Johnston, below indicates. A high placer from last year's State Div V CC Meet at third and with a fine spring track season, a 4:24.27 1600, Johnston looks forward to a good senior year of running for his team.

1) Describe your running successes over the last couple of years as an individual and a Desert Christian team--

1) I remember my first race my Sophomore year. It was the Seaside Inv. and I was hoping to be in the top sixty-five to get a medal. I ended up breaking seventeen minutes and coming across in the same second as my teammate Tim Smith. I struggled a bit at the end of that season as an individual but it was great to help lead the Knights back to state. Last year was a big step up for me as a runner individually. I improved my times by over a minute on many courses. I am thankful the Lord allowed me to have a strong month at the CIF races in November. Prelims was a breakthrough race for me, it was my first good race at Mt. Sac and the first time I really pulled away from Tim. I won that race and the Southern Section Finals. Last year I really did not know how good Nick Neely(2nd) was going to be and it was not my top priority to beat him. I'm thankful for coming in third behind two seniors, one of them being one the state's top runners in Tom Nelson. Our team was dissapointed last year because we had a lot more potential than we put out at state but we have our strongest team entering the season right now.

2) Briefly, what have you done this summer for your running preparation for the fall?

2) I have been training with Antelope Valley College which is coached by the legend Mark Covert--the streak (of consecutive daily runs) turned 35 a couple weeks ago. I have not logged an incredible amount of miles but they are quality miles. We put in good speedwork, I like the program.

3) Speak a bit to the tradition of cross-country at Desert Chrisitian Lancaster, with its continued high level of success despite a fairly small student body--

3) One of the best things about Cross Country at Desert Christian is the fun. We travel far in our league but those bus rides are always a good time. Especially the girl's team I think has been very successful over the years. When Jarod Cronk took over as head coach of us boys our program was taken to a new level. I really think the team's best years are still to come--starting next year, Lord willing.

4) How do you deal with the heat in your summer running in the Lancaster area?

4) The good thing is that it isn't hot at six in the morning. Coach Covert is very consistent about six o'clock being the time we get off on our runs. I actually like summer better than winter because it is dark and very cold at six in winter.

5) What are some of your individual and team goals for next year?

5) I will be thankful for anything the Lord chooses for me. Take a look at Grant Nunalee, anything could between now and the end of November. I still have goals though and I am working to accomplish them. I want to lead our team to, what I believe would be our first, top three finish at state. As for myself I am working to win state and defend my Southern Section title. I would also like to have a good showing at the Footlocker West race. I had my worst race ever at that meet last year. I seriously thought I was going to finish last. It was a great experience though, like state my sophomore year at state and track last spring--next time I'll know what I'm doing a little bit. Our team, like many teams I'm sure, has a lot of potential, it's just about who does the most with what they have.

6) What would you like to do after high school?

6) I am planning on going to college and running there. I do not know where, I am looking at a variety of places right now.

7) Where do you see yourself in ten years?

7) I have know idea what God will choose for me that far down the road but I can say what I would pick right now. I would like to be coaching High School running somewhere( the coach is what matters for a team's success) and writing in some form other than technical writing.

8) What advice would you have for beginning runners in our sport?

8) The key is just getting out six or at least five days a week and running what you can. It does not need to be anything hard at first, if you do the first part the hard running will just work its way into what you do.

Thanks Sky - best of luck - Doug Speck

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