Former Blue Devil Ahead Of Curve At Texas A&M

Former Huntington Blue Devil Kyree Johnson now suits up for the Aggies of Texas A&M. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M’s media relations

By John Grimaldi
info@longislandergroup.com    

Former Huntington Blue Devil track star Kyree Johnson is handling the high school to college transition quite well.

Johnson, a national champion during his run with Huntington, now hits the track for Texas A&M.

Earlier this month, he competed in the Charlie Thomas Invitational on Texas A&M’s College Station campus. Johnson won his 400-meter heat, and then placed fourth overall in a field of 35, with a personal best time of 47.21 seconds. He was the high-placing freshman.

Johnson said that being a Division I athlete definitely has its challenges, but overall “it’s a blessing.”

“I knew the competition would be great and I could train against some of the best athletes in the world,” he said. “The adjustment has been good, definitely different from high school.”

Johnson also finished 18th in the 400-meter race at the Tiger Paw Invitational held at Clemson University, and then finished first in the same event at the Aggie Twilight, which was held at Texas A&M.

He’s currently a member of the Aggies’ “B” team, not yet having broken through to the “A” squad.

But there’s a bright future at Texas A&M ahead of the for the former Blue Devil, said his coach Pat Henry.

“I think he is above the curve, he has done a good job,” Henry said.

He continued, “To break in as a freshman is difficult, but he has ran faster indoors then he ever has. He has matured real well, and I do expect him to be a contributor for us outdoors.”

Next up are the SEC Indoor Championships, which are slated for Feb. 24-25 at Gilliam Indoor Stadium in College Station. Then the NCAA Indoor Championships are scheduled for March 9-10.

The Aggies’ outdoor season opener is set for March 16-17 at Arizona State Baldy Castillo Invitational.

As he prepared to close out the indoor season, Johnson thanked those back home in Huntington who have helped him get to where he is today.

 “I just want to thank everyone – all my teachers, coaches – for helping me,” Johnson said. “I especially want to thank my parents and [Huntington boys track] coach Ron Wilson, who has been my mentor and is one of the main reasons I’m here.”