By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorWith his senior season at Warrenton still in front of him, Dallas Johnson already chose where he will be taking his baseball career afterward.The first-team GAC all-conference member this summer committed to Hesston College, a two-year community college in Kansas, after incoming Larks Head Coach Kyle Howell liked what he saw in his future shortstop.“I first started dreaming about playing college baseball when I was in the seventh grade,” Johnson said. “I really liked my official visit to Hesston and then two days later the coach emailed me the final offer and texted me. It was one of the best feelings ever to commit to play college baseball.”The right-handed hitter led the Warriors and finished tied for second in the GAC North with a .438 batting average in 26 starts. His 32 hits tied for the lead while he finished first in runs scored (25), second in runs batted in (19) and third in doubles (5).In conference play, Johnson finished fourth with a .480 average and led all with seven stolen bases.“My greatest strength is the ability to hit the ball hard and not strike out much,” said Johnson, who struck out less than any other Warrenton player with five strikeouts in 88 plate appearances. “I’ve always been able to put the ball in play and then I can become a threat on the bases.”Johnson was perfect this past season in the stolen bases department as he successfully stole on all 12 of his attempts.His speed makes him an attractive asset to his future program, which finished 18-25 last season. Hesston has won two Region VI titles in the past three seasons as it has been a successful member of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.After Johnson’s sophomore season, he first received interest to play college baseball from a personal letter in the mail sent to him by Eastern Illinois. With a goal to eliminate any pressure from mounting during his senior season, he chose Hesston out of a handful of other programs.“The most enjoyable thing about the recruiting process is talking to all the coaches and seeing what they like about you and your game,” Johnson said. “The hardest part was picking the school I wanted to attend. It’s a tough process, but I feel like I made the right decision.”He hopes to possibly wear his dad’s favorite number once he gets to college.“My dad has been my biggest influence,” he said. “He always helped me practice and be able to achieve what I wanted to do. I wear No. 13 because it’s my dad’s favorite number. I’ve always worn it and hope to keep it on my back for a good while.”With one more season left for Warrenton, which looks to build on a 14-12 finish from last season, Johnson looks to challenge himself and become an even better ballplayer.“I just want to go out there and compete this year,” he said. “I’m grateful for what baseball has given me.”

Dallas Johnson made the decision this summer to play college baseball at Hesston College after he finishes his senior year at Warrenton. Johnson hit .438 as a junior last year in the Warriors 14-win season.

Derrick Forsythe photo.