COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following an incredible career as a cross country and track and field competitor, former Adams State harrier Martin Johns will now add another honor to his trophy case. After competing for the prestigious Adams State running programs, in addition to representing his country at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, he will now be inducted into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame as a member of the 2024 class.
Johns’ extensive list of accolades is prominent, even for an Adams State men’s cross country and track and field program that boasts some of the greatest runners in NCAA history. A native of New Zealand, Johns embarked on a journey to Alamosa, Colo., beginning in the 1988-89 academic year and immediately went to work on bolstering the Grizzlies’ spot as a national powerhouse.
Throughout his four-year career, he earned an incredible 15 All-America distinctions, which would be impressive feat on its own for most collegiate competitors. However, during his career with the Grizzlies, he also captured five individual national championships as an indoor track and field competitor. Additionally, he propelled Adams State to national championships at both the 1990 and 1992 NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships.
Following his time at Adams State, Johns was named to the RMAC All-Century Team, which was announced in 2009. He continues to hold the Grizzlies’ school record in the 800-meter and 1,000-meter events. After concluding his collegiate career, Johns progressed to the international stage, where he competed at the esteemed Prefontaine Classic in 1996. While there, he represented his home country and placed sixth overall in the mile event with a blistering time of 3:54.10. He then took part in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where he placed 40th overall in the 1,500m competition.
Since retiring from his running career, Johns now resides in Fort Collins, Colo., where he utilizes his exercise physiology degree to operate a health and fitness club. He stands as one of the all-time greats in RMAC track and field history and will now be formally etched into the league’s historical records one more time.
Johns will now be enshrined into the RMAC Hall of Fame during the 2024 RMAC Hall of Fame Ceremony and Awards Banquet on Thursday, July 11, inside the Colorado Springs Marriott in Colorado Springs, Colo. Doors will open at 5 p.m. MT with the awards and induction ceremony to begin at 6 p.m.
Tickets are now available for the 2024 RMAC Hall of Fame Ceremony and Awards Banquet and can be purchased
HERE.