DCHS senior Garrett Johnson is a rare breed these days in high school athletics. Garrett, the star running back and defensive back on the football team, starting forward on the basketball team, and starting outfielder and pitcher on the baseball team, is a three sport athlete, arguably playing the three most time consuming sports.
Not just any teen can balance the workload and schedule of playing these sports. Garrett’s work ethic and dedication enable him to find success on the playing fields. “Kids like Garrett are the reason I coach. His work ethic and motor are second to none,” head baseball coach Kerry Yoder said. Garrett has been an intricate part of three sectional championships during his first three years as an Oracle, including two on the baseball diamond.
Free time is not in Garrett’s vocabulary. You would think after the baseball season ends, he would take a break from sports and just relax. Oh no, most of the late spring and all summer, Garrett came in at 6 o’clock a.m for football weights, then shortly after attended workouts for the basketball team.
Garrett’s commitment to each sport he plays is remarkable. Football coach Josh Strasser said, “Garrett’s commitment to his team and teammates is like none other. He always puts the team before individual concerns, and that is what makes him a special kid.” Garrett has led the football team in rushing his first three years on the team, and he is leading the team in that category so far this season. He was also the team MVP as a junior, an award that usually goes to a senior.
Garrett’s favorite athletic memory so far from high school is winning sectionals in basketball as a junior last year. Head basketball coach Michael Lewis said it couldn’t have happened without Johnson. Even though the lineup was filled with seniors, including star Cole Murray, who now plays division one basketball, Johnson’s toughness and work ethic allowed him to be a vital part of the sectional winning squad. Johnson does the little things that don’t necessarily fill the stat sheet but help win ball games. Junior point guard Brent Hawn said, “Garrett gives 110 percent in everything he does and is a great role model for younger players. His work ethic is off the charts and there is no one that works harder than he does.”
Garrett is considering continuing his athletic career in college, as a football player. His work ethic and commitment to a team will definitely allow him to do exactly that.
