Rome Johnson and Shane Bagley Sign with Fresno Pacific University

Two College of the Sequoias track & field standouts are headed to the next level, signing National Letters of Intent this week to continue their academic and athletic careers at Fresno Pacific University. Sprinter Rome Johnson and pole vaulter Shane Bagley will both represent the Sunbirds next season at the NCAA Division II level. 

From Corcoran to FPU

For Corcoran native Rome Johnson, the opportunity to compete at the four-year level fulfills a dream that's been years in the making. 

"This means the world to me," Johnson said. "I come from a small town where not a lot of people move on. Getting this scholarship has been a dream, and it's surreal. It's hard to even describe how it feels." 

Johnson credits Fresno Pacific's coaching staff and culture as a major factor in his decision. 

"They welcomed me with open arms," he said. "The staff really cares. It's not just about winning — it's about helping us grow as people. That meant a lot." 

COS served as a turning point in Johnson's development, helping him mature. He arrived on campus at just 17 years old and quickly learned the importance of accountability, work ethic, and surrounding himself with the right people. 

"I had to grow up," he said. "No one was going to save me. I had to stay accountable and make the most of the opportunity. The COS coaches and community believed in me even when I didn't." 

One of the key figures in that journey was Head Coach Kenny Jackson. 

"Coach Jackson kept me going," Johnson said. "He always told me the truth, even when I didn't want to hear it. He believed in how good I could be." 

Coach Jackson returned the praise, noting Johnson's development and dedication over two years. 

"Rome came in young, but he's matured into a leader," Jackson said. "He's worked hard, stayed committed, and earned this opportunity. Fresno Pacific is getting a great athlete — but they are also getting a great young man." 

Some of Johnson's favorite memories came off the track — team overnight trips that brought the group closer. 

"We became like family," he said. "Those trips, the conversations we had — those are things I'll never forget." 

Johnson will major in Child Development at Fresno Pacific, where he hopes to break the program's school record and continue building toward his ultimate goal of competing in the Olympics. 

"I want to keep improving and see how far I can go," he said. "I know what I'm capable of now." 

Bagley's Big Jump 

Fellow COS standout Shane Bagley is also headed to Fresno Pacific, where he'll continue developing as a pole vaulter while majoring in Liberal Arts. Like Johnson, the decision to stay close to home and compete at the Division II level was an easy one. 

"They gave me the opportunity," Bagley said. "It's close to home, as I get to stay in the Central Valley. I love the community and the coaching staff — it just felt right." 

Bagley's time at COS challenged him to grow, especially when it came to balancing school, athletics, and life. 

"Academically, it was tough," he said. "Trying to juggle everything wasn't easy. I had to learn how to lock in, prioritize, and grind it out." 

Despite the challenges, Bagley found a second family in the COS track team. 

"The team became like family," he said. "It was a good environment with good people and a great coaching staff." 

Coach Jackson played an instrumental role in Bagley's journey as well, keeping him focused and helping him maximize his potential. 

"Shane is the kind of athlete every coach wants," Jackson said. "He shows up, puts in the work, and stays coachable. He's come a long way and is only getting better. He's going to thrive at Fresno Pacific." 

Bagley echoed his coach's impact: "Coach Jackson made sure I was staying on track — with everything. He checked up on me, made sure I was handling school, and always pushed me to be better." 

At Fresno Pacific, Bagley has clear goals: to continue progressing in pole vault and take care of business in the classroom. 

"I want to jump as high as I can and keep improving," he said. "I'm focused on staying consistent and taking school seriously."