Senior sprinter Ross Johnson has accepted an academic and athletic scholarship to run track for the Olivet Tigers next year in Bourbonnais, located in Kankakee County and 45 miles south of Chicago.
"We're very excited for Ross to be part of our team next year. Our coaching staff is not only impressed by his athletic abilities, but by his academics, personality and the way he presents himself. He is the type of athlete that we are looking to represent our program and our school. He is going to be an integral part of our young and talented sprint crew. We are excited for his future as an ONU Tiger," said Head Coach Michael McDowell.
"I chose Olivet because I liked the campus and teachers when I visited. I will be studying Criminal Justice and am looking forward to the challenge," said Johnson, a member of the state Champion Eagles track team as a freshman and the winner of six medals thus far in his first three years as a sprinter. "My goal this year is to win the state championship in the 100 and 200 meter dashes."
"Ross is our only senior this year and is our leader," said Ryan Ervin in his third year as Eagle boys' track coach. Ross has been outstanding the last three years and I am expecting another great season from him. Ross has been outstanding in our program in helping and encouraging the younger team members. Ross is a great example of a model student-athlete who works hard in the classroom and on the athletic field. To receive an academic as well as an athletic scholarship is a great accomplishment," said Ervin.
Olivet Nazarene University founded in 1907 as a private college has an enrollment of 4,600 and is the summer training camp for the Chicago Bears.
Congratulations to Ross, his parents Steve and Shelly and his coaches for this outstanding accomplishment.
