North Salem’s Koskondy wins big
Viking star wins four events; North finishes second in 5A state team standings
Jordan Koskondy made the entire state of Oregon sit up and take note on Saturday at the OSAA State Track and Field Championships in Eugene. The North Salem High School junior won four events in the 5A girls meet, as the Vikings came up just one point short in the team standings to finish second to conference rival Crescent Valley. North was aiming to win its third straight 5A girls track title, excluding the pandemic year that had been canceled.
Koskondy, who has made no secret of her desire to be a competitive heptathlete, strutted her stuff by winning the 100 meters, the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, and the shot put.
I had talked to the energetic and polite athlete prior to North’s last dual meet in Salem a few weeks ago. She was providing her cell phone playlist to air over the public address system.
It was mostly friendly chit-chat between the two of us. I wasn’t looking for a story, but knew Jordan had been recognized by the OSAA in mid-April as their athlete of the week. Still, it was easy to sense she was an athlete with a little something “extra” in her desire to succeed.
She had already taken part in ten different track events to that point, not counting the relays she was typically asked to be a part of.
“I really like to see what I can do,” Koskondy told me during our chat.
“I like to push myself.”
She didn’t push herself at North’s last home meet in early May, competing in just two events—but still won both the 100 meters and the 300 meter hurdles. The drive was still evident.
Sadly, Oregon will not be seeing her at the state meet again, if her family’s plans hold true.
Jordan shared that she is looking to enroll at the IMG Sports Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where she wants to develop into a top heptathlete. IMG has a reputation for bringing out the best in top athletes in a long list of sports, including track and field.
Details about this move were not part of our discussion, but if Jordan’s desire is any indication, she should make quite the mark at IMG.
I am glad to say I got to talk to her “back when.” Good luck, Jordan. Do Oregon proud.
Jordan Koskondy wins the 5A 300 Hurdles-video courtesy of OR Live/Nick Daschel