GULF SHORES, Ala. — Jackson Johnson finished his high jumping career right where he wanted to.

Johnson, who completed his course work at Northwestern College in three years, placed ninth here at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

The Manson Northwest Webster graduate cleared 6-foot-8.75, with the winner, Malik Crandle of William Carey, taking top honors at 6-11.

“I thought the meet went well,” Johnson said. “I jumped one of my better heights of the season and I had some real close attempts at 6-10. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed, though, placing ninth since the Top-8 are All-American.

“Coming up that short is hard.”

The bar was set at 6-5.5 to start and after missing on his first attempt, Johnson was successful. He also cleared 6-7.5 on his first jump and made 6-8.75 on his second. He was unable to successfully go over 6-9.75, ending his day.

Johnson claimed gold at the Great Plains Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships earlier this season. He was named all-conference each of his three seasons as a Red Raider, placing third twice.

“Competing against those guys (at nationals) was incredible,” he said. “I love jumping at high-caliber meets and seeing how I can match up against other great jumpers. Going up against the other high jumpers in the nation is an experience I’ll never forget because the atmosphere and level of competition is so high.

“It’s something I feel I thrive in.”

During his college career, Johnson finished in the Top-10 17 different times in 17 outdoor events with NAIA athletes.

Peter Hollinger, a freshman for Northwestern from Algona, placed 14th in the prelims of the 800-meter run. Hollinger finished in a time of 1:53.93.