Zane Johnson wrestled locally for Jonathon Alder High School where he was a state qualifier. Zane then attended Division II Lake Erie College in Cleveland, Ohio, where he made significant strides in his wrestling career. He qualified for the national tournament, became a two-time conference champion, and was nationally ranked by FloWrestling. All while achieving victories over numerous competitors from all three NCAA divisions - all of which stemmed from taking a chance and walking onto his college program.