ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "Episode 020: Many Miles with 2025 Graduate XC and Track State Champion Ford Johnson"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of the OCR Lounge, we sit down with cross country and 3200m state champion Ford Johnson to reflect on his outstanding running career at MRA.
Ford is a three-time ALL-MAIS XC runner, finishing in the Top 10 in the state in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He also ranks No. 6 all-time at MRA in the 5000m with a time of 17:32.40. In the 3200m he holds a Top 4 time of 10:31.85 at the MAIS State Championship meet this season.
We talk about:
His love for running and where it all began
His first-ever race: the 800m
The incredible story of his broken shoes, discovered the night before the 2024 state XC championship—and how athletic tape saved the day
Memories of the MRA Running Club in elementary school
His biggest supporters: his mom, dad, and sister Reese—a state champion pole vaulter in her own right
The deep impact of his XC and distance coach, Trace Walters
All this and more in a packed episode celebrating the legacy and spirit of one of MRA’s finest distance runners.
Ford is a three-time ALL-MAIS XC runner, finishing in the Top 10 in the state in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He also ranks No. 6 all-time at MRA in the 5000m with a time of 17:32.40. In the 3200m he holds a Top 4 time of 10:31.85 at the MAIS State Championship meet this season.
We talk about:
His love for running and where it all began
His first-ever race: the 800m
The incredible story of his broken shoes, discovered the night before the 2024 state XC championship—and how athletic tape saved the day
Memories of the MRA Running Club in elementary school
His biggest supporters: his mom, dad, and sister Reese—a state champion pole vaulter in her own right
The deep impact of his XC and distance coach, Trace Walters
All this and more in a packed episode celebrating the legacy and spirit of one of MRA’s finest distance runners.
More episodes of the podcast The OCR Lounge
Episode 021: 2024-25 Sports Rewind
09/06/2025
In God we trust