Scouting Report: Walter Johnson


Scouting Report with Walter Johnson head cross country coach Tom Martin. His girls squad has won four straight 4A state titles in Maryland and return 6 of their top 7 varsity runners from a year ago led by Foot Locker finalist Abbey Green to make a run at a fifth. Meanwhile, their boys team took heavy losses due to graduation and will have a younger inexperienced team look to grow over the course of the season. 

Top 7 Girls Returnees

1Walter Johnson High School (MD)120
1) Abigail Green17:14.001
2) Janet Scott19:23.4920
3) Sadie Keller19:31.0024
4) Sophia Scobell19:34.0027
5) Helena Abbott20:00.0048
Average Time: 19:08.50 Total Time: 1:35:42.49 1-5 Split: 2:46.00
6) Anita Lonnberg20:56.00135
7) Jenna Goldberg21:20.00188


Top 7 Boys Returnees

56Walter Johnson High School (MD)1626
1) Sean Murphy17:33.00189
2) Robert Schmidt17:51.65277
3) Jackson May17:59.00313
4) Jacob Greenberg18:12.00369
5) Jacob Marks18:36.00478
Average Time: 18:02.33 Total Time: 1:30:11.65 1-5 Split: 1:03.00
6) Nirel Gershwind18:37.14484
7) Zach Boudabbous18:41.00505


Q&A Interview with Coach Martin (Walter Johnson)


1. How many years have you been coaching high school cross country (and at your current school)?

21 years

2. What do you attribute as the main reasons for the success of your program?

We have been very lucky with the kids who decide to make a commitment to our sport.

3. What would be the best way to describe your style and philosophy of coaching and working with high school runners?

One of the reasons I coach is for kids to walk away with knowing the importance of being a good team mate and to understand that any desired result requires  effort, commitment and a willingness to take risks.

4. What are your core beliefs in your training plan and workouts for your cross country squads?

This is high school cross country to the number one goal is to have fun. If the kids are having fun then they are more likely to want to come to training and do some work.  

5. How many runners do you return from your top 7 from a year ago?

6 Girls. 3 Boys.

6. Who is your projected top 7 heading into the cross country season?

We haven't had time trials yet I also don't want my kids thinking I have already made those decisions or expectations.

7. Who are your team captains or leaders and what stands out about them as examples for the rest of their teammates?

They all stand out.

8. Who have you been most impressed or surprised with their improvement and/or fitness from their summer training?

At this point, Janet Scott and Jenna Goldberg on the girls side. Rodrigo Yepez and Jake Marks on the boys. 

10. What are the top invitational meets that your team will be attending this season?

Manhattan, Glory Days, Octoberfest

11. What will be the biggest obstacle or challenge facing your team this season?

Training at a high level and remaining injury free is a challenge for all runners.

12. What will be the biggest reason why your team is successful this season?

Their commitment to their team.

13. What is a favorite annual or common pre-season workout or run for your team?

Mine is a 5 mile repeat with a 400 jog workout where I see where we are at. However for the kids it might be the Gooseneck relays in Cabin John or the Civic Center Hills and IHOP after.

14. What is a favorite annual or common mid-season workout for your team?

It depends on what I feel we need so I don't think there is a mid season favorite.

15. What is a favorite annual or common championship season or end-of-season workout for your team?

Hill loops at Robert Frost Middle School.

16. What are your top 3 goals for this year's squad?

1. To have as many kids as possible enjoy every practice and every meet.
2. Have our top seniors transfer their love and commitment to our sport to the freshmen.
3. Have everyone on the team run their personal bests for the season.