Published in the June 29, 2018 edition
OBERLIN COLLEGE senior, and MHS alum, Lilah Drafts-Johnson became a national champion in the 400-meter hurdles. She clocked the 10th fastest time in Division III history with a lifetime-best and school-record mark of 59.34. (courtesy photo)
LA CROSSE, WI – Going out on top. It is a dream that all athletes strive for, but few achieve. On Saturday afternoon, Oberlin College senior Lilah Drafts-Johnson was one of the select few as she won the national championship in the 400-meter hurdles.
The Melrose, Massachusetts, native clocked the 10th fastest time in Division III history with a lifetime-best and school-record mark of 59.34.
“For a year, Lilah’s goal has been clear,” Head Coach Ray Appenheimer said. “I could not be more proud of everything she has given to this team. Today it is confirmed that she is the best. It is something we have known for a long time.”
A multiple-time all-region selection, Drafts-Johnson was named as the NCAC Indoor and Outdoor Sprints/Hurdles Runner of the Year in each of the last two years.
One of the greatest sprinters in the history of Oberlin College, she will graduate owning school records in the 200 (25.78), 400 (56.10), and 4×400 relay indoors, and the 200 (25.12), 400 (56.23), and 400 hurdlers (59.34) outdoors.
Drafts-Johnson joined teammate Monique Newton as the only athletes from a women’s sports program to win a national championship in Oberlin College history.
The Yeowomen, who totaled 28 points at the national meet, will bid farewell to Drafts-Johnson, Newton, and fellow national qualifier Ana Richardson as they are all set to graduate.
Drafts-Johnson was a standout track and field star at Melrose High School and graduated in 2014.
