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Story by Cheryl Johnston Photos Courtesy of the Johnson Family
Champion Hawk and Knife Thrower
ALISHA JOHNSON EARNS SOUTHEASTERN U.S. WOMEN’S DIVISION TITLE So, what prompts a young lady to throw knives and tomahawks, anyway? Answer – “It’s a family thing!” Parents Ricky and Debbie Johnson, with daughters Alisha and Shannon, have enjoyed camping since the girls were toddlers. The whole family competes, but only Alisha has earned top honors. Shannon, who’s 24 and married, still attends outings when work allows. Alisha graciously acknowledges, “If she were able to compete regularly, I’d have a run for my money.” Alicia in action!
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lant City now boasts of a new champion. She’s 18-year-old Durant High School senior, Alisha Johnson, who holds the 2007 Southeastern U.S. Women’s Division title for “Hawk and Knife Throwing.”
Alisha learned hawk and knife throwing at age four. As members of Florida Frontiersmen (a 501c(3)-nonprofit fostering pioneer skill preservation and historical appreciation), the family attends the annual Alafia River Rendezvous, the Southeast’s largest pre-1840 interpretive encamp-
ment. More than 1,200 camped this year. The Johnsons also assist area churches with Royal Rangers boys’ scouting programs.
height and an 8” knife blade, six steps are all she needs. A final round ends three days of throwing games, and this year Alisha is the victor.
“Studying history is especially fun outdoors. Curiosity and competitions challenge us to learn the old skills, too.” A young woman with diverse interests, Alisha maintains top grades at Durant, while she practices archery, guitar, and sign language interpretation. At the Alafia encampment, she discovered the art of burning images into wood using a magnifying glass.
If camping, history and family fun appeal to you, discover future events and friendly help at www.floridafrontiersmen.com. Although Miss Johnson practices regularly, she’s open to all challengers in 2008.
Hawk and knife throwing games have men’s, women’s and children’s divisions. Target distances vary, depending on the thrower, who stands just far enough away to allow the blades only one revolution before striking the mark. With Alisha’s
Alicia Johnson
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�������������������������������������� FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15, 2007 - May 15, 2007 • PG 20
PROUDLY SERVING PLANT CITY SINCE 1988
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