Paige Johnston has been awarded Athlete of the Month for September, 2006 for his outstanding efforts in both Off-Shore sailing as well as single handed sailing for the California Maritime Academy. 

At the Pacific Coast Collegiate Sailing Conference (PCCSC) Single-handed qualifier in Marina del Ray on September 23-24, Paige Johnston (’09)  representing Cal Maritime where he was among twenty-four sailors from California schools competing in the two days of racing in the challenging conditions off the coast of Santa Monica.  Thirteen races were completed on Saturday in light, choppy conditions. Johnston finished the day in fourth place, 18 points out of first.  Conditions on Sunday created more challenges with increasing winds and whitecaps, Johnston shifted gears and quickly positioned himself within the top 2 with four races remaining.  With one race remaining, Johnston held a narrow 2 point margin over Chris Wenner of Cal for the last qualifying spot.  In the final race, Wenner got a favorable shift, and was able to put several boats between himself and Johnston.  Paige finished the regatta in third place.  Johnston showed incredible composure and consistency throughout the weekend and missed qualifying for nationals by 1 point.  The results this weekend again prove he is one of the top laser sailors in the district.
 

Paige was on the Off-Shore sailing team that represented Cal Maritime in the Shields Cup earlier this month.  Paige’s efforts as bowman for the boat helped the team capture their second Cup in as many years.  These efforts have  made him the choice for Athlete of the Month for September, 2006.