Johnson seeks 4th Southern B/C title

As a freshman, Whitehall's Connor Johnson captured the Southern B/C Divisional Tournament championship at 120 pounds with a 7-3 decision win over Townsend's Jack Dolan. Now a senior, Johnson will be looking for his fourth consecutive Divisional title at this Saturday's tournament in Townsend.

Looking towards this week's competition, Johnson said he is focused on winning his fourth title but is even more excited for his team to make a run for first place finish.

"Over the past four years wrestling has shaped me into the person I am today. It's taught me a lot from responsibility to keeping my temper during big moments," he said.

Whitehall assistant coach Steve Sacry said he has been able to watch Johnson progress in wrestling since he was a preschooler.

"He was always energetic, determined, and willing to work hard. He would jump head long into his older brother's wrestling group with full confidence he could handle himself with them," Sacry said. "He has done well over the years, winning many awards and much deserved recognition. He has been a good teammate and leader for the team."

Along with the Divisional Title, Johnson has much higher goals for the season including a 132-pound state championship, but he knows he has to take it one step at a time.

"My ultimate goal for state is to win the whole thing, but I need to look at one match at a time and figure out how I can beat that person. Coach (Mark) Nelson has really helped me looking at film and breaking down each opponent in a way that I can beat them," Johnson said.

Sacry said it would be a great for Johnson to win four straight Divisional titles, but he is not one to congratulate early.

"The peak of the season is ahead of us and with hard work Connor will meet his goals. He is no doubt up to the challenges, and I will support him however I can," Sacry said.

While he has found a great deal of success on the mat in high school, Johnson knows his time in the sport will help him in the years to come.

"Wrestling is a sport that goes on farther in life than just the mat. It's going to make me a better person in the future. I'm very thankful for getting to have Coach Nelson for the past seven years and Coach Sacry for the past four years because they have pushed me harder and harder each year to be able to make a run at the state tournament," he said.