Photo: Hokes Bluff High School senior Kiera Johnson recently signed a cross country scholarship with Gadsden State. Pictured, from left: HBHS track and field coach Taylor Morgan, HBHS cross country coach Brack Shields, Kiera, GSCC cross country coach Roseanne Green. Standing, from left Kiera’s brother Ethan, Kiera’s mom Monica (holding Bennett), Kiera’s sister Taylor Greer, Kiera’s dad Gerald. (chris McCarthy/Messenger)
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
Kiera Johnson won’t have to commute very far to continue her competitive running career.
The Hokes Bluff senior signed a cross country scholarship with Gadsden State on April 18.
“I’m so glad that Coach Green gave me this opportunity,” said Johnson, who plans to enter the DMS program at Gadsden State. “I’m really excited to join the team and meet new people.”
Gadsden State cross country coach Roseanne Green described Johnson “a perfect fit” for school’s first cross country team since 2011. Green coached Johnson at Hokes Bluff until last season.
“I know all about Kiera’s dedication and work ethic and what she’s capable of at the next level. She definitely was an easy recruit. As we keep moving forward, I expect Kiera to get better with every year. She’s a good kid and a good student who comes from a good family, so we’re looking forward to having her in our program.”
Johnson’s season PR of 24:33.72 at the Class 3A Section 3 cross country meet at White Plains last season qualified her as a wild card for the state meet in Moulton.
Hokes Bluff cross country coach Brack Shields was excited for the first of his runners to sign a scholarship.
“Kiera’s put the work in that she needed to, so this is all on her,” he said. “I’m still learning a lot about the sport and having such a good group of senior leaders like Kiera and Elizabeth [Edge], they really helped me out. We’re excited to get to watch her run at Gadsden State.”