Tiger Sports Spotlight: Tamarick Johnson

For Tamarick Johnson, it’s more than a sprint on the track at Jackson State University. Johnson, a graduating senior and track and field athlete stands as one of the team captains and will be receiving his bachelor of science in mass communication in April 2016.

Johnson is well known for being a part of the JSU men’s track and field team and Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society.

Johnson came to Jackson State because he was offered a full athletic scholarship to run track and field during his collegiate years. Being offered a full scholarship coming into your freshman year is a great opportunity but it’s on the person if they will hold on to the scholarship or not. You have to perform on the track and field and in the classroom. Johnson has managed to be a student-athlete.

Johnson is not only academically on point but he also is proficient. He is a 5x high school state champion in track and field in the state of Georgia. In 2011, he was the 400-meter dash and 200-meter dash champion. In 2012, he was the 400-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 4×4 meter relay champion. He also broke the record in 4×400 meter relay with a 3:15 in 2012 to wrap of his high school career.

On the college side for Johnson, he is the 4×400 meter relay SWAC indoor and outdoor champion in 2013. He holds the title as SWAC indoor most valuable player in 2015. He is the 400-meter dash indoor and outdoor champion in 2015. Johnson is most prideful of his time in the 2015 outdoor track and field season when he ran a time of 20.98 as his best time of the season.

Johnson doesn’t have any expectations this season but wants to enjoy the moments during his last season here at Jackson State. Whatever happens during this season, Johnson will be satisfied because he knows he did what he came to do.

“This is my last year running track & field here at Jackson State, so I just want to enjoy it with my teammates and also have a lot more fun this year,” said Johnson.

Johnson has his own rehearse strategies and executions when it comes to track and field. He likes to warm up alone during practice and meets so that he can focus on what he has to do to perform at his best.

Johnson feels he has a great support system in his life. His family, friends and teammates are always there to lend a helpful hand if he needs the help.

He feels that track and field is great preparation for life. He stated that, “track and field is a good sport that can prepare you for life. The main thing it teaches you is consistency. If your not consistently going to practice, the weight room and things of that nature you won’t get the results you want. Consistency is needed with pretty much everything you do.”

Johnson season started off a little slow because JSU men’s team is a younger team but as the season progresses, he feels everyone will start to gain confidence in them, especially the new recruits.

“This team as a whole is very young this year but definitely has potential do something this year in the SWAC. Just have to continue to stay focused and keep working,” said Johnson.