Local athlete signs for cycling

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - When it comes to collegiate cycling, it's hard to top Marian University.  The Knights have won 15 national titles in the 20 year history of the program.  Now, local prep standout Josh Johnson is joining the program to try and help Marian win even more championships.

Johnson, who is homeschooled, is one of the area's top cyclist.  He was influenced to start riding by his father's passion for cycling.  Johnson is a member of the Men of Steel team from Summit City Bicycles.  He is the first male cyclist from the area to sign for Division I collegiate cycling.  Last summer, Crystal Kalogris of North Side signed with Lindsey Wilson College.

Along with family and friends and Marian cycling head coach Dean Peterson, Johnson inked his name to attend Marian in the fall.  Johnson said he's undecided about what he'll studying but he's leaning towards sports performance.  Johnson has either raced with or against a few of his future teammates so it should help in his transition to school.

Marian started the cycling program in 1992.  In their 20-year history, the Knights have won 15 national titles.  Each year, four championships are up for grabs.  Marian has won two crowns in each of the last two years.

Johnson has been a member of the Men of Steel team for about a year.  Men of Steel helped Johnson get his name out there for recruiting purposes although Peterson says it was easy to keep track of Johnson by just keeping an eye on race results because Johnson was usually near the top.

Like any other sport, cycling requires a huge commitment to be great.  Johnson trains 15-20 hours per week.  The sport is a year-round commitment at the collegiate and professional levels.