Tupelo High School junior Ryder Johnson is making the most of just his second year in track and field.
Johnson, who competes in the 10-meter dash, 4×100 meter relay and long jump, has already earned Track MVP honors for the team. For Johnson, the recognition means a great deal. “I appreciate the opportunity and I’m grateful for the nomination by my coach,” he said.
Long jump is Johnson’s favorite event, and it has already brought him success this season. At the Konawa meet, he recorded a personal best of 21 feet, 6.5 inches. He also ran 11.53 seconds in the 100 meters. His biggest accomplishment so far has been placing at state, and he said he wants to take another step forward this year. “My goal is to place higher in the state tournament and qualify in the 100 meter as well this year,” Johnson said.
A strong competitive drive helps fuel his progress. “I have a super competitive nature, and I really don’t like to lose,” he said. Johnson also credited assistant coach Dusty as a major influence in his track career. “He is super motivated and gets really excited during workouts and meets,” Johnson said. “That energy helps push everybody.”
Johnson said he does not have any pre-meet superstition. Instead, he likes to listen to music on the way to meets and stay focused. In the long jump, one of the toughest parts is avoiding a scratch at the board. He said he handles that by adjusting and tweaking his steps.
Track has also taught Johnson a lesson he carries beyond competition. “There is always someone better than you and you just have to keep going and keep doing what I know how to do,” he said.
Outside of track, Johnson stays busy with baseball, basketball and life on the ranch. He also attends heavy equipment operations classes at vo-tech in the morning before returning to school in the afternoon. Balancing school and sports takes work, but he said he tries to keep his grades up and not miss class unless it is necessary.
After high school, Johnson plans to go to work and use his heavy equipment operations certification. For younger athletes, his advice is simple: “Respect your coaches.”
Johnson said track gives him another chance to show his abilities and help bring home hardware for Tupelo High.
