MACON, Ga. – Senior Maggie Johnston will soon make her new home in Birmingham, AL.
The FPD star, who throws discus and the shot put for the Lady Vikings, signed a national letter of intent with Samford University in front of students, faculty and staff, family and friends on Friday, April 29 inside the Middlebrooks Athletic Center.
The signing is the second for the track and field program this academic year (Robby Watson signed with Southern Miss) and seventh overall for the Class of 2016.
“This is just a really exciting day,” Johnston said. “I get to spend this moment with my family and friends and finally seal the deal on something that has been in the works for the past few months.”
While Johnston has been ironing out her decision, she’s also been a force to be reckoned with in field events during her senior campaign.
The defending Class-A State Champion and back-to-back Area-1 Private Champion in the discus has broken her own record twice this season in discus with a heave of 144-06 on her way to multiple victories this season. In the shot put, Johnston’s throw of 38-03.75 is also good for a personal best.
Both are school records as well for the girls track and field program.
“Today is another great opportunity to celebrate one of our teammates in Maggie,” FPD head track and field coach Walker Middlebrooks said. “She sets a great example for all the other girls on the team and getting to recognize her today is very special.”
Before heading to Samford, Johnston says she wants to, “go out with a bang as a Lady Viking.”
“I’d love to get another State Championship,” Johnston said. “There’s a lot of good competition this year. I just hope I go out and do the best that I can and leave the rest up to the Lord. I definitely want to enjoy these next few weeks as a (Lady) Viking.”
Johnston said choosing Samford was an easy decision once she learned more about the University.
“It’s small, it’s a private Christian school and it has a strong track and field program that encourages winning championships, which is something I want,” Johnston said.
Johnston will be in action at the GHSA Sectionals on Saturday, April 30 followed by the GHSA State Meet in early May.
Keep up with Johnston on www.fpdvikings.com and @FPDVikingSports on Twitter in the coming weeks.
The First Presbyterian Day School Department of Athletics strives to build the student athlete both in the playing arena and the classroom while upholding the school’s mission statement to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory. For more information, visit www.fpdvikings.com and sign up for up-to-the-minute news and scores by following the Vikings on Twitter at @FPDVikingSports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fpdathletics.
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