Kiski Area's Kylie Jackson enjoyed some success in track and cross country but was hampered by breathing problems through her junior year.
Jackson long had believed she was slowed by asthma. Last summer, however, she was diagnosed with vocal cord dysfunction, which causes similar symptoms.
Armed with the correct diagnosis and therapy to beat her breathing problems, Jackson believes she's ready for a breakout track season this spring.
And she's not the only one who believes in her potential.
Jackson submitted a letter of intent to St. Francis (Pa.), a member of the Division I Northeast Conference, on Monday. She will compete in track and cross country.
"I'm really excited," Jackson said. "A couple of years ago, I never would have thought I'd run Division I. I've improved so much."
In cross country, Jackson is a three-time WPIAL Class AAA qualifier. Last fall, she finished 40th in 20 minutes, 17 seconds.
In track, Jackson will be seeking her fourth trip to the WPIAL Class AAA championships, including her second berth in an individual event.
In 2010, she took 12th (5:17.93) in the 1,600-meter run. Her time was the third-best in school history behind Amy Lion (5:11.1 in 1997) and Sara Raschiatore (5:12.0, '98).
Jackson thinks she can make a run at the school record and a WPIAL top-eight medal in the 1,600 this spring. A better understanding of her breathing problems has helped.
"A lot of it has to do with anxiety," Jackson said. "I need to stay calm before I race. Mostly, it's about breathing techniques. They helped a lot during cross country."
