NORMAL — Years from now, when Ryan Ashenbremer is coaching track and field, one of his athletes may not end their high school career with the bang everyone expects.
The Illinois State sophomore, who is studying to become a physical education teacher, will surely recount the story of his own star-crossed prep career, which in hindsight was more like the beginning to something grand than a finale that fizzled.
As a Normal West High School freshman in 2014, Ashenbremer seemed destined for a state title when he cleared 14 feet. As a sophomore, he made 15-0 and placed fourth in the Class 3A state meet. As a junior, he cleared 16-3 and took fifth.
