Senior Tyler Johnson just completed his high school career as a three-sport athlete (baseball, basketball and football) at New Prague.
The catcher/pitcher will continue to hone his baseball skills on the diamond this summer by playing for multiple teams. The Trojans finished the season with an overall record of 9-12 after being eliminated in the Class 3A, Section 2 tournament by Mankato West.
Johnson was a forward on the basketball team and quarterback of the football squad. He is headed to the University of Minnesota, where he will major in biological sciences.
Here is a closer look at Johnson:
Q: What is the best movie you have seen in the last year?
A: "Furious 7."
Q: Three songs you never skip on your iPod are ...
A: ... "Delirious (Boneless)" by Steve Aoki, featuring Kid Ink; "Might Not" by The Weekend and Belly, and "Bang Bros" by Lil Durk.
Q: Three words or phrases your friends or teammates would use to describe you are …
A: … leader, intelligent and humorous.
Q: What are your three favorite apps?
A: Instagram, Snapchat and World Series of Poker.
Q: When and how did you get started playing baseball?
A: I started playing baseball before I could walk. I always wanted to play catch or have someone throw me the ball, so I could hit it. I still have my first baseball glove.
Q: At your first varsity practice, you felt …
A: ... nervous because I had never played with any of the guys before.
Q: What is your favorite meal before a game?
A: Pizza casserole made famous by my mother.
Q: You know you have an edge on an opponent when ...
A: ... I see them complaining to the umpire/referee and dropping their head.
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?
A: Making it to the Class 3A state tournament for basketball and winning the Wright County Conference championship.
Q: If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be?
A: Extend the high school baseball season into the summer, so we can miss the snow in April.
Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?
A: By taking advantage of the time they give you in school to finish your work.
Q: Name one sport that you wish you could play, and why?
A: Table tennis. I always beat my friends and could use a challenge.
Q: When you have time off during vacation, what do you like to do?
A: Relax by the pool and soak up the sun.
Q: Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why?
A: The Golden State Warriors. I'm hopping on the bandwagon.
Q: In 10 years, you hope you are …
A: … graduated from medical school and closer to becoming a doctor.
Q: Do you have a secret talent – and if so, what is it?
A: I can finish the Rubik's Cube in under a minute.
Q: What is the best sports advice you have ever received?
A: My dad saying, "Never quit, and always play like it's your last time on the field."
RON HAGGSTROM