By Maleny Mireles
New Prairie High School senior Grant Johnson balances life as an all-year-‘round student-athlete.
Johnson is a prime example of the success of being a student-athlete. With a schedule consisting of AP classes, H.O.S.A. meetings, and practices, Johnson’s free-time is minimal, yet valuable.
Prior to his senior year, Johnson attended a week long wrestling camp at Wabash College and won “Intensive Wrestler.”
Johnson also attended a second camp in Pennsylvania for a couple weeks, which included four workouts a day and a ‘black hat’ award given to Johnson for being one of the top four hardest working in the camp.
“I’ve known Grant for many years and I’ve never been around someone so dedicated and to work so hard to get where he is at,” said freshman wrestler Hunter Whitenack. Whitenack also compared Johnson’s hard work ethic to how good of a role model he is.
The hard work continued back home where Johnson began his cross country season, running about 8 miles a day along with heavy workouts for the fall season.
“You make a choice to work for it and put in more work behind the scenes,” advised Johnson.
His “behind the scenes” work for his wrestling season included time with a private coach. The hard work paid off in his 2018-2019 season that resulted in a sectional title, 3rd place spot at regionals, semi-state qualifier, and a trip to state. New Prairie has not qualified for state since the 2014 season. Johnson said it was the most exciting match because of the people and the atmosphere.
Johnson plans to maintain his heavy workloads when he will attend college for wrestling after high school and study pre-med.