It’s a common stereotype.
The muscle-bound high school jock gets an athletic scholarship to a high-profile Division-I college. Schoolwork is a laughable afterthought while partying is priority No. 1.
But talk to Clint Osborn a few minutes and you’ll find a young man who shatters that negative label.
Osborn, who in June graduated from Lake Stevens High School, attracted interest from several collegiate athletic programs. During the 2004-05 school year, the powerful 6-foot-2, 240-pounder’s accomplishments included a Class 4A state heavyweight wrestling title in February and third place in the 4A state shot put in June.
When it came to picking a college, Osborn said he considered much more than the quality of each school’s athletic facilities and which campus boasted the hottest social scene. Instead of dodging the academic aspect, he focused on it.
“I want to compete,” Osborn said earlier this week, “but I also want to get a good education.”
For Osborn, who plans to study architectural design, that meant accepting a partial athletic scholarship to Washington State University. The Lake Stevens grad will throw the shot put, discus and hammer for the Cougars track and field team. According to Osborn, WSU will pay for his textbooks and 50 percent of his tuition.
Osborn, who also considered Eastern Washington University, said WSU head coach Rick Sloan and associate coach Debra Farwell quickly felt like members of his own family – people determined to give their athletes the tools needed to succeed physically and mentally.
The hammer is a new event for Osborn, but he craves the challenge.
“I’m actually really thrilled to try it,” he said. ” … I know it’s definitely something that will be (ideal) for my weight and the amount of quickness in a (throwing) ring that I have.”
Osborn said he feels 100 percent healthy after recovering from a finger injury he suffered in late April. Just a few days after winning the shot put at the well-attended Pasco Invite with a heave of 59 feet, 11.5 inches, Osborn hurt the middle finger on his right hand during practice.
Osborn, who has had hand problems before, fought threw the nagging pain and finished the track season. The injury likely cost him a chance to win the 4A state shot put title.
“He wasn’t the state champion like we all thought he would be,” Lake Stevens track coach Jeff Page said, “but it was pretty amazing how he did, considering the circumstances.”
WSU coaches recently gave Osborn a variety of stretching suggestions and treatment tips. It’s all part of his plan to maintain a sound body – and mind.
M-P grad makes Northwest history: Melissa Thompson, a recent graduate of Marysville-Pilchuck High, played on a team that finished fourth in the Under-18 division July 23 at the 2005 Junior Olympic Beach Volleyball Championships in Hermosa Beach, Calif.
Thompson and her teammate, Lindsey Denman of Inglemoor High, had the best-ever finish by a team from the Northwest since the championships started 13 years ago, according to John Kessel of USA Volleyball.
Beach volleyball is generally dominated by players from California, Texas and Florida, in large part due to obvious geographical advantages. When asked what impact Thompson and Denman’s performance might have on the region, Kessel said, “Hopefully this will maybe open the door for others.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
