College Corner: Track Coach Leighon Johnson

This is the story about true passion; a passion strong and rich with energy. alumnus Leighon Johnson, who still holds multiple records on the track & field team, has returned to the school to coach the Rams, along with former teammate Dustin Poole.

Johnson's knowledge of the game is supported by more than 10 years of experience. A young, sixth grade Johnson decided he didn't want to run track long ago. But, with some convincing from some former teammates, Johnson returned to the team after football season his sophomore year.

"I met Coach [Danielle] Stauffer during the winter season," said Johnson. "It was really good stuff, because she was training me really well. I came out and had a pretty good season actually."

In his first year back, Johnson made it to the PAC-10 Championship, placing in the 100, 200 and long jump. So, returning for his junior year, Johnson expected to do a lot better. He also ran the triple jump, but was not eligible to run any more events as high school athletes are restricted to four.

Then, Johnson was a senior on the team and turned up the heat. He broke three school records at one meet against Phoenixville during the regular season, running a 10.7 in the 100-meter, a 21.9 in the 200-meter and jumping a 22-feet-6 in the long jump. Johnson went on to compete in the state championships that spring and jumped a 45-feet-7 in the triple jump. All throughout, the recruitment process was ongoing.

"After that, I was being recruited by schools like Lock Haven, West Chester, Bloomsburg," Johnson said. "All the local schools around the area. I had the desire to go further, like New York. Also my mom was in New York. So, I went to compete at the next level."

Johnson was recruited by Long Island University, but opted to attend The City University of New York (CUNY) to compete. Then, his mother fell ill, which triggered Johnson to take a semester off to tend to her.

"Then, West Chester wanted me and the coach recruited me to come out," said Johnson. "So, I said 'Yeah, no problem - scholarship money? I'll come out.' I came out to West Chester my sophomore year and competed there and did pretty well. At the college level, you're allowed to do as many events as you can. I did all the events I could."

Johnson competed in his normal events: the 100, 200, long jump, and triple jump; but also added the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

"I overloaded my first year," said Johnson. "I did pretty well though. In each event I placed in the top five when I went to the conference championship. So, my goal for the following year was to place better. That did happen."

Johnson went on to the national championship for the long jump and competed in New Mexico. He ended up jumping 24 feet to get there and came out All-American that year.

"That year, I won the conference in long jump (indoor and outdoor), second in the 200, top three in the 100 and our 4x100 team ended up placing top five," Johnson said.

Last year was Johnson's final year at school, where he again went to the national championship for the long jump; this time to California.

"I didn't make All-American this time, just ended up making honorable," he said. "So, that wasn't too bad."

Poole, who was brought on as an assistant to the track program at Spring-Ford contacted Johnson about coming out to coach this year. Johnson said why not?

"Now I'm here trying to coach and help out these kids and let them know I went pretty far and am doing well," Johnson said. "I got my degree in school and now I'm looking for jobs and trying to pass on what I know."

Johnson's degree is in nutrition, but he is more focused on coaching.

"The funny thing is, I'm probably not going to do anything with it," he said. "I'm trying to actually focus more on being a coach. Right now, I love being a coach. Track's my passion. After I left high school, I realized track is something I wanted to do."

Johnson said he and Poole met some great kids here with great potential to go on to the next level - Division I or II.

"You can't be prouder than that," he said. "You go to school and get paid for it and it's a good thing. The experience is great too. You meet a lot of good people. I've met many people thorugh track. The network is really good. I'm just glad to be here helping out as much as I can."

Overall, Johnson sees himself as a good coach because of his lengthy experience and success on the track. He has been told by his coaching peers and the students just those facts.

"Everyone keeps telling me a good thing about me being a coach is my experience and being able to relate to the athletes - know how they feel, know how to talk to them and how to prepare for a meet or that event they have," he said. "Also, the knowledge of the sport I have for over 10 years now. You only get better and better."