Cousins jumps into 4A-1 sports' scene

— Jarod Cousins did a little bit of everything for the Gentry track and field team this season.

The sophomore placed in five events, winning two, at the 4A-1 Conference meet and finished third in the pole vault at the state meet.

Cousins has been honored as the boys track and field Newcomer of the Year for small schools by NWA Media for his accomplishments.

His performance wasn’t a surprise since he was a multi-event standout in junior high, Gentry boys track coach Daniel Ramsey said.

“He carried our junior high team,” Ramsey said. “He scored 50-something points in the conferencemeet.”

Cousins’ best event this season was the pole vault, but he was also strong in the long jump and triple jump. But his diversity is probably his overall strength, Ramsey said.

“It’s really amazing, he’ll excel in just about anything you put him in,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey was especially pleased with Cousins’ efforts in the pole vault since Gentry doesn’t have the facilities for him to vault indoors.

“Pole vault is his first love in track, but he’s going to be very competitive in the discus and triple jump, too,” Ramsey said.

Cousins said he also enjoys the discus, which doesn’t really go hand-inhand with the pole vault.

“They just come natural, I guess,” Cousins said. “I do all right in both of them. They’re fun.”

Ramsey is also excited about Cousins’ future since he is young for his class.

“The only thing he lacks is confidence,” Ramsey said. “Sometimes aroundthose 7A kids he falls short of what he’s capable of. But I think the only thing he is missing is some experience. He’s so strong not to be any heavier than he is. He can throw the shot 40-plus feet and throw the discus 135.”

Cousins is also a strong hurdler, but a misstep late hurt him in the 110-meterhurdles at the state meet.

Cousins, the school record holder in the pole vault and triple jump, also excelled on the football field. He played receiver and defensive back for the Pioneers.

Gentry football coach Brian Little said Cousins was also featured in thebackfield in different situations.

“He was very vital to us on offense, defense and on special teams,” Little said. “We expect that role to expand as a junior.”

Cousins had 48 tackles and 26 catches for 465 yards and a team-high six touchdowns.

Sports, Pages 12 on 05/30/2012