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ONAWAY — Lillyann Cooksey wasn't interested in just about any sport three years ago.
But during that time, one sport finally caught her eye, something she decided to try.
Three years on, the senior hasn’t just thrived in track and field. Through love and dedication for the sport, Cooksey has turned herself into one of the most successful Onaway athletes in recent memory, starring in sprints, sprint relays, and the long jump.
I-L'S KAYLEE TAGLAUER: 'All in’: Kaylee Taglauer a mainstay with Inland Lakes girls track
I-L'S TANNER HOWARD: Inland Lakes' Tanner Howard explodes with record-breaking regional
COOKSEY WINS REGIONAL TITLE: I-L girls win regional title; several area athletes qualify for states
Ironically, it was the long jump – the event she’s spent the least amount of time participating in – where she delivered her most notable finish of her career. Competing at an MHSAA Division 4 regional meet at Inland Lakes on Friday, May 15, Cooksey used a jump of 14 feet, 8 inches to finish first and secure a spot in her first-ever state finals in Hudsonville on Saturday, May 30.
“(Track is) not easy, but it’s definitely been very fun,” Cooksey said. “I like doing anything. Anything my coach puts me in, I’ll do it.”
Throughout the spring, Cooksey’s versatility has been her biggest weapon, as she’s excelled in sprints like the 100, 200 and 400, while also making a tremendous impact in the long jump. Sprinting-wise, Cooksey nearly made states after finishing third (28.47) in a highly competitive 200 dash. When it’s time to run relays, she’ll do those, too. No problem.
Cooksey is having a massive senior season, but the hunger for a great grand finale started months ago. According to her coach, Dan Betke, Cooksey got rolling all the way back in the winter. Whether it’s been plyometrics, becoming quicker off the blocks, or improving her steps in the long jump, it’s been all about developing power with Cooksey, who’s reaped the rewards with many medals to her name.
“Since day one, she’s been on it,” Betke said. “She could see (this big season) coming last year, and this year a couple times I threw her in the 400 and the (800) one day, and just told her we’re working towards the regional meet – our goal was to work towards the regional meet and get her to states."
It’s never a perfect road for any athlete, and that’s been true with Cooksey, who admitted she had to improve her mental frame heading into this season. Fighting through injuries and other challenges along the way, she’s made it all work and has set a great example in Betke’s program.
Of course, Cooksey knows she didn’t get here alone.
“I’ve had good support from my team and my family,” Cooksey said. “They’ve been amazing. My coach (Betke) has been amazing. He’s always supported me. They’ve all helped me get to where I’m at. I think it’s such a blessing.”
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From trying out the sport a few years back to reaching the biggest meet there is in Division 4 track in Michigan, Cooksey is even surprised she’s made it this far.
As she wraps up her career, she’s thankful she made the decision to run and jump.
“I’ve always loved track, ever since I started it,” Cooksey said. “I kept thinking I want to keep doing this.”
Cooksey and Onaway will compete in the Ski Valley finals at Mancelona on Wednesday, May 20, and then in the rescheduled Presque Isle championship meet at Rogers City on Friday, May 22.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Onaway track star Lillyann Cooksey captures MHSAA regional title
Continue reading...
But during that time, one sport finally caught her eye, something she decided to try.
Three years on, the senior hasn’t just thrived in track and field. Through love and dedication for the sport, Cooksey has turned herself into one of the most successful Onaway athletes in recent memory, starring in sprints, sprint relays, and the long jump.
I-L'S KAYLEE TAGLAUER: 'All in’: Kaylee Taglauer a mainstay with Inland Lakes girls track
I-L'S TANNER HOWARD: Inland Lakes' Tanner Howard explodes with record-breaking regional
COOKSEY WINS REGIONAL TITLE: I-L girls win regional title; several area athletes qualify for states
Ironically, it was the long jump – the event she’s spent the least amount of time participating in – where she delivered her most notable finish of her career. Competing at an MHSAA Division 4 regional meet at Inland Lakes on Friday, May 15, Cooksey used a jump of 14 feet, 8 inches to finish first and secure a spot in her first-ever state finals in Hudsonville on Saturday, May 30.
“(Track is) not easy, but it’s definitely been very fun,” Cooksey said. “I like doing anything. Anything my coach puts me in, I’ll do it.”
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Throughout the spring, Cooksey’s versatility has been her biggest weapon, as she’s excelled in sprints like the 100, 200 and 400, while also making a tremendous impact in the long jump. Sprinting-wise, Cooksey nearly made states after finishing third (28.47) in a highly competitive 200 dash. When it’s time to run relays, she’ll do those, too. No problem.
Cooksey is having a massive senior season, but the hunger for a great grand finale started months ago. According to her coach, Dan Betke, Cooksey got rolling all the way back in the winter. Whether it’s been plyometrics, becoming quicker off the blocks, or improving her steps in the long jump, it’s been all about developing power with Cooksey, who’s reaped the rewards with many medals to her name.
“Since day one, she’s been on it,” Betke said. “She could see (this big season) coming last year, and this year a couple times I threw her in the 400 and the (800) one day, and just told her we’re working towards the regional meet – our goal was to work towards the regional meet and get her to states."
You must be registered for see images attach
It’s never a perfect road for any athlete, and that’s been true with Cooksey, who admitted she had to improve her mental frame heading into this season. Fighting through injuries and other challenges along the way, she’s made it all work and has set a great example in Betke’s program.
Of course, Cooksey knows she didn’t get here alone.
“I’ve had good support from my team and my family,” Cooksey said. “They’ve been amazing. My coach (Betke) has been amazing. He’s always supported me. They’ve all helped me get to where I’m at. I think it’s such a blessing.”
VIZINA TO CHEBOYGAN: Daryl Vizina aims to bring aggressive identity to Cheboygan boys basketball
VOTE FOR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Vote! Who should be Daily Tribune Athlete of the Week for May 11-16?
From trying out the sport a few years back to reaching the biggest meet there is in Division 4 track in Michigan, Cooksey is even surprised she’s made it this far.
As she wraps up her career, she’s thankful she made the decision to run and jump.
“I’ve always loved track, ever since I started it,” Cooksey said. “I kept thinking I want to keep doing this.”
Cooksey and Onaway will compete in the Ski Valley finals at Mancelona on Wednesday, May 20, and then in the rescheduled Presque Isle championship meet at Rogers City on Friday, May 22.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Onaway track star Lillyann Cooksey captures MHSAA regional title
Continue reading...
