TRACK AND FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY: Muir's Kooshian off to West Point
Mustangs distance runner treking back East.
Above: Muir's Christian Kooshian, who signed to run cross country and track and field at West Point. (Star-News photo by Walt Mancini.)
By Scott Galetti, Staff Writer
Staff Photo by Walt Mancini PASADENA - Under most circumstances, signing a letter of intent on national signing day means an athlete has committed to attend a school for at least four years.
In Christian Kooshian's case, the commitment is far greater.
Kooshian, a member of Muir High School's cross country, and track and field teams, committed for the long haul with the United States Military Academy at West Point.
"I've always wanted to join the military since I was young, and West Point was the best way that I could serve as a military officer," Kooshian said. "I was really drawn to it because of the challenging lifestyle. It's very difficult, academically."
The Muir senior not only had to be recruited, he needed to be accepted before signing on the dotted line.
"You have to get accepted and meet the admission standards of anyone else who's trying to get into the school, as well as getting a nomination of a congressman," Kooshian said. "I was given priority acceptance over the other qualified applicants because I was a recruited athlete."
For Kooshian, a free ride comes with a price.
"In return for the four years of schooling, every cadet is committed to five years of military service in the Army as a commissioned officer," Kooshian said.
The senior is excited about representing Muir at West Point.
"I'm glad that I can bring anything positive about Muir," Kooshian said. "And I'm glad that I can show that Muir has some really good teachers and that going to Muir doesn't hamper your education."
Kooshian placed 80th at the Footlocker West Cross Country Regional at Mt. SAC.
His main love is track and field.
Last season, Kooshian finished fourth at the Pacific League finals in the 3,200 in a time of 9 minutes, 36 seconds.
He qualified for the CIF finals in the 3,200 but was unable to participate.
In the 1,600, Kooshian ran a season-best 4:34 in a dual meet against Crescenta Valley.
"As a runner, he shows tremendous discipline, and has a lot of heart," Muir coach Jacques Sallberg said. "His going to West Point means that John Muir High School produces outstanding students that excel in academics, as well as athletics."
Kooshian will compete with the Mustangs this season before heading East.
Two South Pasadena athletes took advantage of Wednesday's late signing period.
Katie Baumgarten, a member of the Tigers girls volleyball team, signed a letter of intent to play at Bucknell while softball pitcher Nichole Parada signed with Humboldt State.
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
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Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.
Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.
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Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.
Mr. Kooshian,
Stang Nation congratulates you on your excellence!!! THe alumni is extrmeley proud of you and your accomplishment. Next time I hear someone say that students can't get a quality education at John Muir HS I will always mention your name. CONGRATS!!!
Something positive coming out of muir. What happened to Willie Youngblood and others. What about those so called PHS players?
This is terrific for Kooshian and his community. Good luck, though. Stay focused and embrace West Point from day one. It is a long way from home, but all my friends who graduated from WP loved it.
This is a huge accomplishment, hats off to Kooshian job well done.