Photo Essay | Spring High School Sports

Track and field, baseball, softball and flag football athletes showcase skill, speed and sportsmanship in this photo essay by Craig Johnson

By Craig Johnson, June 2, 2026

Two high school girls leap into the air while competing for a football during a flag football game. Players in colorful uniforms watch the contested catch from the field.

The competition is intense as players reach for the ball during this girls flag football game between the Rushford-Peterson Trojans and the Houston Hurricanes. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

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As the 2025-26 academic year wrapped up, photojournalist Craig Johnson captured the excitement of high school spring sports across Southeast Minnesota. From flag football to high flying pole vaulting to ball games, these student athletes (and their fans) showed up with dedication and energy, even if the temperatures felt more like late winter at times.

high school girls leap into the air while competing for a football during a flag football game.

These girls flag football players leap to new heights in a game between the Houston Hurricanes and the Rushford-Peterson Trojans, in Rushford. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A group of high school boys sprint down the track during a relay or sprint event. Athletes from several schools race side by side with wooded hills and spectators visible beyond the track.

This year’s Sub Section 1 Track and Field meet in Rushford featured talented runners from several area high schools racing toward the finish line. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A high school girls pole vaulter rises above the crossbar during competition. Wearing a helmet, the athlete grips the pole while suspended high in the air against a bright overcast sky.

A high school girls pole vaulter rises above the crossbar during Track and Field competition. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A pack of high school girls distance runners rounds a curve during a track meet. The lead runner in a green uniform sets the pace as competitors follow closely behind on a cool spring evening.

A pack of high school girls distance runners rounds a curve during the Sub Section 1 Track and Field meet in Rushford . (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A high school boys pole vaulter in a black uniform clears the crossbar during a track and field meet. Wearing a helmet, the athlete arches backward high above the landing area against a bright spring sky.

A high school boys pole vaulter clears the crossbar during this track and field meet. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A high school girls relay runner rounds the track carrying a baton while a teammate cheers from the infield. Athletes, coaches and spectators fill the background during a busy spring track meet.

Track and Field relay races require speed and a careful baton handoff; teammate cheering from the infield is a bonus! (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A high school girls track athlete prepares to release a discus during a field event competition. Spectators watch from bleachers behind the throwing circle as she completes her throwing motion.

A high school girls track athlete prepares to release a discus during a field event competition. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A high school boys track athlete flies through the air during the long jump competition. Spectators and competitors watch from the infield as he approaches the landing pit.

One of dozens of high school athletes is caught mid-flight during the long jump competition during May’s Sub Section 1 Track and Field meet in Rushford. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A high school softball player in a white and orange uniform crosses home plate during a spring game. The opposing catcher stands nearby as an umpire watches the play from behind.

Crossing home plate scores a run for the Saint Charles Saints in this girls softball game hosted by Rushford-Peterson High School. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A high school softball catcher crouches behind home plate and reaches her glove toward an incoming pitch. Afternoon sunlight highlights the catcher and the yellow softball as it approaches the mitt.

Crouching behind home plate, reaching toward an incoming pitch for the Rushford-Peterson girls softball team. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

A Chatfield Gophers pitcher delivers a pitch from the mound during a spring baseball game. The catcher is blurred in the foreground as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand in late afternoon sunlight.

This Chatfield Gophers pitcher releases a pitch as the catcher prepares to grab it in a game hosted by the Caledonia Warriors. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

Contributor

Craig Johnson

When not otherwise drumming with area musicians or assisting customers at Rushford’s Ace Hardware, Craig Johnson’s photographer’s eye focuses on the region’s picturesque scenery and its sports teams. Look for his work in a variety of regional publications.