Johnston Excels at Cross Country Nationals

Santa Monica resident Drake Johnston is proving this winter that he is capable of performing as well on the dirt as he does on the track.

Representing his club team, the South Orange County Wildcats, Johnston finished eighth and earned All-American status Dec. 10 at the Junior Olympic Cross Country National Championships held at Whispering Pines Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

Competing in the boys intermediate division, Johnston completed the 5K course in 15:58. He had qualified for the finals by placing second at the regional meet (Hawaii, Nevada, Southern California) Nov. 20 at Kit Carson Park in Escondido.

Last summer, Johnston recorded All-American times in each of his three events and took home the silver medal in the Intermediate Boys division of the 2000 Meter Steeplechase at the National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in Wichita, Kansas.

A junior at Palisades High School, Johnston finished third in 15:50.63 at the L.A. City Section cross country finals in the fall, helping the Dolphins capture the boys team title at Pierce College in Woodland Hills.

2011 USATF National Junior Cross Country Championships

At Myrtle Beach, S.C.

1. Esteva De La Rosa, O'Briens A, 15:09.01 
2. Elijah Armstrong, Pocatello,  15:16.89
3. Blair Hurlock, Pleasanto, 15:18.13 
4. Miguel Bautista, Equalizer, 15:25.67 
5. Andre Ivankovic, Clemson A, 15:39.53
6. Jack Manesiotis, Foot Locker, 15:42.14
7. Austin Esposito, Cucamonga, 15:46.33 
8. Drake Johnston, South OC, 15:58.69
9. Alex Hess, Indiana Blast-A, 15:59.22 
10. James Withers, YMCA Team, 16:00.04