One of the most unusual, interesting aspects of track and field is the sheer variety of events. During a single meet, a spectator can watch an incredibly diverse spectrum of athletes.
An athlete’s road to his or her best event can be tricky.
Five years ago when Tyler Cobb joi
ned the track team at Evergreen Middle School, he immediately succeeded in some events but struggled mightily in others. One event Cobb couldn’t figure out was the high jump.
“I just could never get it down,” he said. “Going through the air, just being able to arch your back and get over the pole — I couldn’t get it right.”
Fortunately, Cobb found a niche going over lower obstacles as a hurdler. Now a senior at Everett High School, Cobb competes in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles races for the Seagulls.
As the season winds down, Cobb has his sights set on scoring points for his team at the league and district championships and advancing to the state meet for the first time in his career.
Coach’s corner
Although Cobb isn’t the fastest hurdler on his squad, “there’s not a kid on the team who works harder,” Everett High coach Doug Hall said. Cobb also enthusiastically mentors teammates, Hall added: “Even though he’s not a captain, he’s a great leader and he works with the younger kids.”
The main events
Asked to compare his two hurdles events, Cobb said, “The 110 requires a lot more technique. You’re supposed to take three steps in between each hurdle; if you take four then your (opponents) are going to blow past you.” On the other hand, “The 300 is more just who can hang on the longest — a lot of endurance.”
“I like the 110 more,” he said, “just because at the end you’re not quite as dead.”
On track to be a Trojan
Cobb plans to attend Everett Community College and he might run for the Trojans track team. He wants to earn an associate degree and transfer to Eastern Washington University.
Wants to meet Meb
If he could meet anyone, Cobb would talk to world-class distance runner Meb Keflezighi. Cobb is reading an autobiography about the inspirational athlete, who came to the United States with his family after they fled war-torn Eritrea, a small country in Africa.
Action-packed life
In addition to competing in track, Cobb played football and basketball at Everett High. He was a wide receiver/cornerback on the gridiron and a small forward in basketball, but he didn’t play hoops this past season so that he could focus on training for track.
Happy to help
For several years Cobb has volunteered by serving a Thanksgiving meal to senior citizens. The event is coordinated by the Everett Fire Department. Said Cobb, “It’s just good to help out.”
Working the market
Every summer Cobb sells fruits and vegetables for Tonnemaker Farms at the Everett Farmer’s Market. Cobb, who gets a sweet employee discount, said he enjoys interacting with customers and observing the social scene: “I kind of like people-watching.”
Fun on the water
One of Cobb’s favorite summer traditions is traveling to the Potholes Reservoir near Moses Lake. Cobb goes there with family and friends. They spend lots of time on the water, doing plenty of skiing and wakeboarding.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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