Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Never any jumping jitters

The Sharks' Mike Kursteiner, a state contender in the high and triple jumps, just rolls with the flow when he competes.

By VINCENT THOMAS
Published April 28, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - What is it with kids these days? Nature Coast track star Mike Kursteiner isn't even a week removed from being the first Hernando Country athlete in years to get a Division I track scholarship and he sounds about as enthused as Ben Stein.

"I was just going with it," Kursteiner said of his recent decision to attend South Florida.

And as for the process of choosing between USF and Arkansas State, he "just kind of went with it."

This Kursteiner is too cool for school.

Even Saturday's Class 2A championships don't seem to get him especially revved up. He is seeded first in the high jump and second, behind Marianna's Clarence Powell, in the triple jump. He is thinking state title for both.

Perhaps the first hint of emotion comes when he thinks about his failed jump in the long jump competition at regionals. It would have been a 43-8, the winning jump and a personal best, but officials said his toe crossed the line.

"At first I was upset," Kursteiner said. That was before he realized competing in just two state events might work out for the best. "Now I won't be tired for the high jump."

Long jump miscue or not, Kursteiner said his regional performance actually resulted in a sweetened offer from South Florida, which helped seal his decision. Out-of-pocket expenses will only come for room and board. After the state tournament, his attention will turn to college and the bittersweet prospect of starting his independent adult life away from home.

The pros? "I'll be on my own," he said.

The cons? "I'll be away from home."

Kursteiner has scouted his future Big East competition and noticed that a 6-11 won the conference high jump competition. His best is 6-10. He's a little ways off in the triple and long jumps, but in typical fashion, he's sort of ho-hum.

"I don't think I'm too worried about it," he said.

Vincent Thomas can be reached at vthomas@sptimes.com or 352 848-1430.

[Last modified April 28, 2006, 01:37:27]