BV's Johnson to run for EIU

MANLIUS - Two days, two Division I athletes.

Bureau Valley senior Derrick Johnson made it official today, choosing Eastern Illinois University to continue his cross country and track careers. Classmate Kimi Sanden, as reported in today's BCR, committed to ISU on Tuesday.

The BCR Cross Country runner of the Year placed 14th in the IHSA State cross country finals this fall to became the first Storm runner to medal three times at state and to qualify for state four times. He's also qualified for state in track.

BV coach Dale Donner said EIU will be a great fit for Johnson.

"He has chose a school that will be great for his major and also super for his running.  We wish him the best there as a Panther," Donner said.

At Charleston, Johnson will be joined by 2010 BV graduate Melanie Thompson, who throws the weights for the Panthers. Princeton product Alyssa Donner, the Storm coach's daughter, competes in the pole vault for EIU.