Cheryl Johnstone, A Chatham-Kent Athlete Who Came baCK
Cheryl Johnstone
Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are now baCK, living, working, and staying connected to our own vibrant sports community in CK.
This week, we feature Dover Centre’s Cheryl Johnstone.
Cheryl is a former track and field athlete competing for Western University. She now lives and works in Chatham-Kent as the Morning Show Co-Host & News Anchor on Blackburn’s Country 92.9.
Here are Cheryl’s responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:
1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up just north of Chatham on a farm in Dover Township.
2. What is your favourite Chatham-Kent pastime?
It’s hard to choose, but drinks at Sons of Kent, kayaking at Mitchell’s Bay, walks at Mud Creek, going to the beach at Erieau are some of my favourites. As long as I’m with family and friends, I’m happy.
3. What did you do after high school?
I attended the University of Western Ontario in London to take Media, Theory, and Production, a joint program with Fanshawe College that unfortunately no longer exists. I did track and field at Western for four years, competing mainly in weight throw, but also some shot put.
4. What are you doing now?
I co-host the morning show and anchor the news on Country 92.9, 630 AM CFCO in Chatham.
5. What has made you happiest, or been the best surprise about moving baCK to Chatham-Kent?
All the great events that take place here. My co-host Dave and I always joke that anyone who says there is nothing to do in Chatham-Kent isn’t trying very hard! When we aren’t practicing social distancing, there is always something going on in CK every weekend. Cherryfest, WAMBO, Retrofest, Dresden Summer Night Market, shows at the Chatham Capitol Theatre, fundraising events, local theatre, art galleries, museums, I could go on and on. Sometimes we forget about the places in our own backyard.
6. What would you tell someone who is considering living in Chatham-Kent?
Do it now! The weather is great, there is lots to do, traffic is good, and the people are fantastic. And if you miss the big city, we’re not that far from Windsor or London, or even Detroit or Toronto.
7. Why did you choose to move baCK to Chatham-Kent?
I moved back when I was hired to do weekend news and reporting for Blackburn Radio in 2008. Eight months later I moved to mornings on CFCO, where I have been ever since.
8. Describe your current sports involvement?
In the winter, I play women’s volleyball on Monday nights in the YMCA league, and in the summer, I play ladies Slo-Pitch on Tuesday nights. I taught Body Combat at Goodlife Fitness until its closed in Chatham, but I still try to get to the gym at least three days a week. I have gotten into cycling, and have done the Five Boro Bike Tour, a 40-mile ride through the streets of New York City twice, and every year I do Tour de Troit, a 25-mile ride in Detroit. I’m still friends with Sylvia Kontra, my throws coach from Western, and sometimes get asked to help out at local track and field events. I’m also a big sports fan, I cheer for the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings, and I enjoy going to games in Detroit and Toronto.