Preston Johnson, a River Falls senior and Minnesota State University Moorhead football signee, was named to both the football and basketball Wisconsin Coaches Association All-Star games.

“When I got the call about it, I was super excited,” Johnson said. “I chose football for college, but playing this basketball season, the last one, meant a lot too. Just being chosen for both of those sports, it means a ton. Especially with how much work I’ve put into both.”

Johnson was a two-time all-conference defensive back and captain on the football field. He racked up 80 tackles and a pair of interceptions his senior year, including a 22-tackle game.

“Super hard worker in everything he does,” River Falls Football Coach Ryan Scherz said. “Definitely wants to be great.”

On the basketball court, Johnson was named to both the all-conference and all-county first teams this season, averaging 14 points per game while guarding the opposing top players.

“Just relentlessly works hard and, like I said, great kid even off the court,” River Falls Basketball Coach Zach Turpin said. “A kid that finds a way to make others around him better. From a basketball standpoint was always a kid we asked to play defense on the best player on the other team and he kind of took that and ran with it.”

Turpin highlighted how special it is for Johnson to be named to both teams.

“I think that’s pretty special,” Turpin said. “I don’t think it’s too surprising when you know how much those two sports mean to him and how much time and effort and sacrifices he’s made for those two sports.”

Being recognized by both of his coaches for his hard work means a lot, as it shows he has become who he strived to be.

“It really does mean a lot,” Johnson said. “That’s what I want. I want to be known as a good person and somebody that works as hard as they can every single day.”

He advised anyone looking to reach a high level athletically one day to enjoy the struggle, because nothing is going to come easy.

“First off you have to enjoy it,” Johnson said. “You have to work hard every single day, and you’re going to have to enjoy working hard because it’s a grind.”

Johnson aims to build connections, as the teams practice together for multiple days. He wants to use the opportunities to meet people and hit the basketball court one last time.

The football all-star game benefits Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, with an individual link to donate in support of Johnson at https://support.childrenswi.org/fundraiser/6232724. The basketball all-star game benefits a variety of charities with a link available at https://justagame.com/clients/903_Zdz2su/fundraisers/fundr_iqckun7w6h/partcpnt_jUHnxZXk6i47.

The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association football game for large schools is July 19 at UW-Oshkosh and the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association basketball game is June 26 in Wisconsin Dells.