TUCSON, Arizona — "He runs like a deer," said Alyssa Blockburger, while talking about her brother, Johnnie. "It’s fun to watch him run."
Johnnie and Alyssa Blockburger aren’t just stars on the Tucson High track team. They’re fraternal twins. Alyssa is consistently strong in every distance, while Johnnie is a state champion in the 200 and 400 meter events, and finished 2nd in the high jump. Their Dad, Sheldon, was once a world class decathlete and now coaches track.
"He always says, if you’re not working out, someone else is working out right now trying to get better, so you have to keep up," said Johnnie Blockburger.
But the senior season for the Blockburgers was cut short due to the coronavirus.
"And when AIA said that they canceled it, I cried because I was looking forward to it, and I put a lot of hard work into training," said Alyssa Blockburger.
"Now, more than ever, we have someone to train with," said Johnnie Blockburger. "Compared to some kids, they have to train by themselves during this virus. It helps having someone who’s there."
Johnnie and Alyssa are training for next season when they will compete for the University of Arizona. And, they will be under their Dad, Sheldon Blockburger, who is currently a Wildcat assistant track coach.
"I’m excited because we grew up around the U of A, and to get to go there is a huge blessing," said Alyssa Blockburger.
