Track & Field | 3/9/2021 9:23:00 AM

MOORHEAD, Minn. — Minnesota State University Moorhead junior Chris Cook seems to be peaking at just the right time.

Cook, a national qualifier in the high jump for a fourth time at MSUM, jumped a season-best 6-10 1/4 at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Indoor Championships on Feb. 26 in Mankato, Minn. That earned him a runner-up finish and All-NSIC honors but most importantly, qualified him for the national indoor meet. He will compete at 11:30 a.m. Central time on Friday in Birmingham, Ala.

A three-time All-American at MSUM in the high jump (two first-team and one second-team), Cook is appreciating the chance to compete this year. Last year, he was at the national meet, along with teammate Shyrone Kemp, when the word came out the competition was going to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Being able to come back this year — I'm grateful for every opportunity I've had to get out there and compete," Cook said. "I'm going to try and make the most of it."

The 2021 campaign hasn't been totally smooth for the Minneapolis native. He battled injuries early in the year, but thanks to some work with MSUM's athletic training staff, he was healthy by the time the conference meet rolled around. 

"That was the biggest turning point for Chris," said MSUM assistant coach Trevor Barry, who coaches the jumps for the Dragons. 

"I feel about 100 percent," Cook said. 

He finished second at the NSIC Indoor Championships with the jump of 6-10 1/4, which is eighth best among the national qualifiers. 

"My mindset was to go out there and do what I know to do," Cook said.

"Chris is at his peak level right now for the season," Barry said. 

He's looking forward to the challenges of nationals and doesn't have a height in mind as a goal.

"Whatever it takes," Cook said. "It's me and the bar, and I'm going to try and take it up every time.

"I want to win. I want to compete and be my best," Cook said. "I've been doing everything I can to meet that goal."