STATE CHAMP: EW's Natasha Johnson sets program precedent

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 15, 2016 1:48 PM

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WINSTON-SALEM -- Everyone knew about Natasha Johnson's leaping ability.

No one had a clue about her speed -- until this season.

Johnson had a form and stride that Eastern Wayne head coach Tavares Oates noticed at practice. Through some prodding and head-butting, Oates convinced Johnson she could excel as a sprinter.

She proved it this weekend.

Johnson emerged as the 55-meter dash state champion in the 2016 N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A indoor track and field meet contested on the JDL Fast Track at Winston-Salem State University. She became the first indoor state track champ in EW history.

"It was pressure for the most part and I got a great outcome," said Johnson, who crossed the finish line in 7.21 seconds - the 13th-best time recorded among North Carolina runners this year.

"I'm proud of myself and the people who got me here - Coach Oates and my teammates who helped me and had faith in me."

That faith was tested.

Oates tested Johnson's mettle every day. He sold the idea of her sprinting and, in the beginning, she didn't meet his standards. Oates' constructive criticism gnawed away at Johnson's soul and she decided to put her best foot forward.

She worked to get stronger. She perfected her technique of exploding out the blocks and stayed focused.

"I've had pressure all year ... have worked hard to get to this point," Johnson said. "When I got to it (the starting line), I was extremely nervous. I didn't really know any of the other girls, except Cierra. She is my competition, a great athlete above all."

Once the starter's gun sounded, Johnson kept her eyes squarely on the tape. She never checked her peripheral vision to see if anyone was near her, and crossed the line uncontested. Johnson bent over to catch her breath and realized she had achieved a goal she had set from the opening day of practice.

"I was shocked as ever," Johnson said.

Kev'via Copening, a senior from Ledford, claimed the silver medal in 7.40 seconds. Thompson, a senior at Southern Wayne, secured third in 7.48. Rocky Mount's Laneeja Sheppard (7.51) and Ashbrook's Tara Jones (7.55) completed the top five.

Johnson is just the second female in EW history to win a state title in either indoor or outdoor track. Jessica Collins became the program's first state champ when she won the 1,600 and 3,200 during the 3-A finals in 2002. Collins later ran at East Carolina.

Johnson also recorded a seventh-place finish in the 300 meters (43.75 seconds) and ended up eighth in the long jump (16 feet, 1 inch).

"The long jump, I've had better days," said Johnson, who balances her classwork, practice and a part-time job.

"I have been kind of off in the long jump lately and that something that I need to work on. The 300 ... was kind of tired from all of the running that I did before that, so I kept pushing through it and was happy with it. Now I have outdoor track to prove myself.

Johnson's success also opened the door for her collegiate future. Prior to the state meet, she had received just one scholarship offer. Oates spoke with several Division I and II recruiters once they observed Johnson's raw talent.

"That really lifted up my spirits," Johnson said.