Erik Johnson Wins the Meet of Champions Title in the Mile

Erik Johnson has been half of an impressive duo when it comes to distance running at Ocean City High Scool.

With teammate Miles Schoedler in Seattle for a national race, Johnson stole the show at the NJISAA Winter Track Meet of Champions on Saturday in Toms River.

Johnson ran the mile in 4 minutes, 16.02 seconds to win the Meet of Champions, an event that features the top six finishers from each of the group state championships.

"First of all, I would like to thank God for giving me the ability to do so," Johnson said. "It felt great. I can't put the feeling into words, I'm really happy about it."

With Schoedler as a teammate, Johnson's abilities are not always fully appreciated. But there is no doubt he has talent, and Johnson doesn't concern himself with what outsiders think.

"I don't worry about where my spot is or if I have a resume," Johnson explained.  "I just look at myself in the mirror, and if it's good enough for me, I don't worry about if it's good enough for anybody else.

"My mindset for every race is to come away with a victory. If you don't think that, you are not going to win. I just try to stay mentally focused and give it all I have. If I do that, then I have a shot. I have as good a chance as anybody. That's my mindset."

It worked on Saturday.

Johnson led early in the race, but gave up the lead to Joe Rosa of West Windsor North and Joe Potts of Haddonfield. However, Johnson's closing kick was too strong for any of the competitors, as he won by more than a second.

"Usually I like to work from behind," Johnson said. "I have a good leg turn and good speed ... a kid passed me with 500 meters to go, and I knew it was now or never. If I waited, I was going to get beat. So I went."

"He really ran smart," Ocean City coach Bill Moreland said. "He put himself in the third spot, but in a place where he could get out."

With the indoor season over, Johnson will turn his attention to the outdoor season.

"Winning a big meet against so many great runners, not just in the state, but in the nation, it gives me confidence moving forward," Johnson said. "Winning the Meet of Champions in indoor makes me feel like I have a good shot against anybody. It's big for my confidence, but I always have the mindset I can win."

"Winning the Meet of Champions is a great accomplishment that's for sure," Schoedler said. "Erik made the most of his opportunity, and I can't wait to see what he does later this season and next season."