There soared Rampart’s Ryan Cook above expectations; soon a state title would follow.

Cook, who was born into basketball, found his niche last year as a junior when he won the 5A state title in the high jump with a 6-foot, 10-inch jump.

“It took me to college,” said Cook who will high jump for Drake next spring.

The 6-4 then-junior was a double-double basketball machine for the Rams. His dad and grandpa both went far on the hardwood. His father is the eighth all-time scorer at Wheaton and his grandpa hit a game-winning shot to beat the Harlem Globetrotters … only to be scolded shortly afterward.

So in all reality, Cook only decided to join track and field to keep in shape for the winter.

“And I won state so it was a good decision,” he laughed.

To start the spring season, Cook was plagued by a left knee injury he endured in basketball, but his potential in the high jump was far from hobbled. Having to lead with his weaker leg (right) Cook hopped into the state qualification.

“We really didn’t have expectations. We knew he could jump but didn’t know where he’d fit in,” Rampart coach James West said. “I think he blew everyone’s expectations away – even his own.”

At state, on a day where the weather was as dreary as a TV turned to a dead channel, Cook tied his season best at 6-8 on his first try at Jefferson County Stadium in Lakewood.

The jump onto the soggy mat was good enough for the 5A state title.

“It was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams,” his coach said.

After that he entertained the crowd by jumping a personal best 6-9 and then 6-10 on his third try.

“And he cleared it by a lot,” West said.

“The whole crowd started doing the slow clap and it just got me pumped up,” said Cook who had only cleared 6-0 at his worst meet just weeks before.

This year Cook expanded his athletic resume by joining the football team under first-year coach JJ Owens. Head-and-shoulders above opposing cornerbacks Cook and his hops made him the Rams’ go-to-guy as he racked in nine touchdowns. After that he played basketball where he averaged 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Fountain-Fort Carson remains the class of the league and the state. But Cook hopes he can help Rampart rise above expectations.

“I want to jump 7-2,” he said.

Rampart’s Ryan Cook celebrates after clearing 6’8″ in the high jump at the state tournament Thursday, May 19, 2011, in Denver. Photo by THE GAZETTE FILE

Kevin Kreck

Rampart’s Ryan Cook competes in the high jump at the state championships Thursday, May 19, 2011, in Denver. Photo by THE GAZETTE FILE

Kevin Kreck