May 30, 2009

JOHNSON’S CAREER COMES TO CLOSE AT NCAA EAST REGIONALS

GREENSBORO, N.C. – All good things must come to an end.

In this case, all great things must come to an end.

The illustrious career of Verniece Johnson (Mineral, Va.) of the Virginia Commonwealth University women’s track & field concluded this weekend at the NCAA East Regionals, hosted by North Carolina A&T.

Johnson was the first VCU women’s track & field athlete since 2005-2006 to compete at regionals.

Although she topped athletes from East Coast powers North Carolina, Florida State and Miami, the veteran came up short on her bid to make the NCAA Championships with a 13th place showing in the long jump.

Her second of three jumps was the best with a mark of 19’ 5 ½”.

“For her to step up and accomplish her goals, overall that helps the team and program itself,” Head Coach Jon Riley said. “It’s just her will; it’s what she wanted to do. Nothing I have done from a coaching standpoint helped her get there.”