Prep athletes of the week: St. Paul Johnson sprinter is freaky fast

St. Paul Johnson • track and field

His body resembles a defensive lineman far more than a sprinter, but Jackson showed he has got some giddy-up in his legs by winning the 100-meter dash Friday at the Hamline Elite Meet. The 6-3, 230-pound Jackson, who had six sacks as a defensive end for the Governors during the football season, posted an impressive time of 10.84 seconds, besting highly regarded Nick Sharma of Mounds View, who was second at 10.90.

Jackson also finished second in the 400 with a time of 49.19.

His success on the track can be traced to his history as a track and field athlete. His parents signed him up to run track when he was 6 years old and he has been sprinting ever since.

"I've been called 'Freak of Nature' or the 'Great Freak,' " said Jackson, who also was a running back on the football team and a hard-nosed forward for the basketball team.

He will put his athletic abilities to work in two sports in college next season. He will play football and run track at NAIA Dakota State University in Madison, S.D.

ALLI CHRISTIANS

The senior struck out 16 batters and hit a two-run homer in the Wildcats' 5-0 victory over Hopkins on Thursday and followed up with a 13-strikeout effort in a 12-4 victory over Hutchinson on Friday.

Buffalo • softball

The senior shortstop's well-known offensive capabilities were on full display last week as she powered the Bison to four victories in five games. The Gophers recruit went 9-for-14 with five home runs, 13 RBI, 10 runs scored, four walks and three stolen bases.

Edina • track and field

The senior was the only athlete at the Hamline Elite Meet to win two individual events. She won the 800 meters in 2 minutes, 12.79 seconds and the 1,600 in 4:56.57. She also anchored the Hornets' seventh-place 4x400 relay team.

Kraus, a senior attackman, had nine goals and six assists in victories over Minneapolis and Orono. He became the state's leading scorer with 26 goals and 43 total points, and has led Holy Angels to a 5-0 start.

Minnetonka • baseball

The senior lefthander was sharp as the Skippers defeated Champlin Park 2-1 in a pitchers' duel. Lommen pitched 5⅔ innings, gave up only one hit, walked two and struck out 15. Lommen has signed to pitch in college for Missouri.

North Branch • softball

The Vikings are off to a 4-0 start behind the senior pitcher's arm and bat. She went 3-0 on the rubber, highlighted by an 8-0 shutout over Buffalo, and struck out 19 batters. She hit .714 (10-for-14) with a home run, five RBI and nine runs scored.