Koosman ready for state finals

For a sophomore, her demeanor is quite cool.

Cloverdale High School's Ashley Koosman will make her first trip to the Indiana High School Athletic Association Track and Field State Finals on Friday on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, competing in the high jump.

Most of the time, underclassmen tend to be a little nervous heading into a meet like this. But Koosman is treating it like any other meet.

"I'm kind of excited," Koosman said.

Her coach, Kristin Crabtree, said Koosman is like that often.

"I don't think being at state is going to phase her," Crabtree said. "She's definitely focused on what she needs to do. She's pretty self-motivated."

However, Koosman said she was "surprised" to advance to the state finals.

"There were quite a few people seeded above me (at the regional) that didn't make it," she said.

Koosman will jump second in a line of 27 qualifiers on Friday. The event is scheduled to begin officially at 3 p.m.

The sophomore has a qualifying leap of 5-2, tying her with seven other participants. The highest qualifying leap heading into the state meet is 5-6 1/2 by Columbia City's Ashley Rhoades.

Koosman said 5-2 is a height she can clear with relative ease.

"I've got it a lot recently," she said. "I got it the very first meet of my freshman year, but I didn't get it again until (the Bloomington Sectional two weeks ago)."

Crabtree said she wants Koosman to shoot for 5-2. However, she said the sophomore could also look at 5-4 on Friday.

"That is what we're trying to go over now," Crabtree said. "She just kind of goes at her own pace."

Throughout the season, Koosman competed in the high jump, long jump, 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter low hurdles.

However, since she's only had to focus on the high jump in recent weeks, both Koosman and Crabtree feel she will be ready for Friday.

"I think that's why I've been getting 5-2 a lot more consistently," she said, referring to focusing only on the high jump.

"I think that's helped a lot," Crabtree added. "Physically, it will be better for her. She'll be more prepared and she won't be as tired."

Crabtree said Koosman has been working hard on adding a few inches to her jumps in preparation for Friday.

"We've working a little technique," Crabtree said. "It's all about trying to get those few more inches."

At the state meet, officials move up the bar two inches following a qualifying height. Koosman said she's confident she can hit 5-3, but is apprehensive about 5-4.

"I think I can get 5-3," she said. "I'll just have to do my best. That's all you can do."