Ball State University Athletics
Kosh Jasmon: IndySportsNation College Sports Story Of The Year
June 23, 2009 | Women's Swimming and Diving
IndySportsNation
June 21, 2009
MUNCIE - Its not enough to read about, or hear about it.
The written or spoken word doesn't do it justice. Not on most practice days at Ball State's Lewellen Pool.
"I'm scared to death part of the time," admitted Cardinals swim coach Bob Thomas.
The scene in the pool is basic, not different from what you'd typically see from most at the collegiate level of the sport. In the far left lane is Katie Jasmon, who rotates her style with each lap as do the dozens of her teammates adjacent. With a black and red swim, its hard for her to blend in with the rest.
At least till she gets out of the pool.
"I have to shorten up the yardage I can't do as much," said the junior swimmer, who suffers from Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular disease that brings about fatigue quickly. "I have to make sure somebody's watching me."
At first that's usually Thomas or Laura Seibold-Caudill, another coach for Ball State, who constantly communicate with Jasmon when she's in the water to make sure she doesn't become too fatigued. But its hard for them to be the only one's watching.
Due to the fatigue, Jasmon can't get out of the pool on her own. Often shes carried to a wheelchair, where ice is applied to her muscles for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. When finished, shes wheeled to the locker room, where teammates help her change and then arrange for her to get a ride home.
"I've gotten used to it," said Seibold-Caudill of the scene that unfolds when Jasmon finishes swimming. "I'm fine with it because I know that is something that she desires to do."
Watch: More of Seibold-Caudill Interview
Every day, every practice, and after every swim whether for leisure or training.
"I love the sport of swimming," said Jasmon as to why she continues to swim despite the lenghthy, and admittedly painful process. "I want to inspire all those people who've been told that they can't do something, their dreams have been taken away."
That missions starts with those around her. Nicknamed "Kosh" by her teammates, her story and routine have become a rallying point for the program.
"I just know that the team is not the same without her," said graduate assistant Kristy Clarke.
Watch: More of Clarke Interview
"She doesn't want our pity," said fellow swimmer Sarah Kehe. "She does it to inspire others and so actually it makes me really proud to beat the disease one more time."
Watch: More of Kehe Interview
So medical reasons forced Jasmon out of the pool, and her swimming spot for the MAC Championships was given to someone else, the team made her a diver just to make sure she could attend.
"I just want to have the opportunity to have her on the deck," said Thomas of Jasmon's move to the diving board for the championship weekend at Bowling Green State University.
Watch: More of Thomas' Interview
Yet the end of her swimming season didn't end her desire to inspire others. Since her diagnosis, Jasmon has begun to speak to those who have the disease and organizations that help to raise money for the cause.
"I heard her speak, with tears in my eyes," said Jasmon's Springfield (IL) Sacred Heart Griffin coach Mike Schwartz. "I think she's got a niche for it."
Watch: More of Schwartz Interview
From her speaking, Jasmon has started the "Attacking MG" fundraiser in her hometown of Springfield to raise money for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois. The second annual event was held on June 13th.
"I think it is my new path," said Jasmon of her speaking and fundraising. "I love having that feeling when a little kid comes up to me, an adult even and says 'wow I can't believe you putting your body through this and you've inspired me so much to fulfill my dreams.'"
"It makes it all worthwhile."
Players Mentioned
