Truman Johnson was named the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association (USTFCCCA) Midwest Region Men's Cross Country Runner of the Year announced by the national office.
Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches and following the conclusion of the regular season. Only those individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.
Johnson won the individual championship at the 2025 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Cross Country championship held at Mahoney State Park on Nov. 8. Johnson completed the 8K course with a personal-best time of 24:45, 16 seconds faster than his previous best and five seconds in front of the second place runner (Alvin Keter, Doane). The sophomore from Saline, Mich. has three top 10 finishes this season heading into the 2025 NAIA National Championship on Nov.21 in Tallahassee, Fla.
Johnson is the second Defenders runner to win the regional honor (
Aidan Vorster - 2023).
Johnson and
Luke Swanson will represent the Defender at the 2025 NAIA National Championship this weekend.
