News Story - Idaho State Journal

Jackie Poulson won't end her long drive to Eugene, Ore., by being a spectator.

She learned early Wednesday afternoon that she had a spot in the heptathlon field at the 2008 U.S. track and field Olympic trials.

It was a good day for Idaho State track and field.

Poulson, a heptathlete from American Falls, and pole vaulter Paul Litchfield - both assistant track and field coaches at Idaho State - learned they had both earned a spot at the trials in their respective events.

Poulson entered the day in the 19th position for the heptathlon, which takes 18 athletes. However, Sandy Fortner of Albuquerque, N.M., scratched after declaring late Tuesday evening, meaning Poulson made it as the last person in.

It will be her second time competing in the U.S. Olympic trials.

''They're gonna be great. I'm going to go in fairly confident,'' Poulson said Tuesday before she knew for sure that she was in. ''I haven't put things together all year, but now's the time. There isn't a better time. I've had two great practices this week that I haven't had all year.''

Litchfield also squeaked into the field.

In the men's pole vault, 24 athletes qualify, and the former Bengals All-American posted a mark that tied him for 24th in the country.

Poulson and Litchfield will join fellow Idaho State graduate Stacy Dragila at the trials. The men's pole vault and heptathlon begin Friday, while Dragila will open competition July 3. The top three finishers in each event will qualify for the Beijing Olympics, which run from Aug. 8-24.

''It's completely different,'' Poulson said of the trials. ''You can't visibly see the difference, but there's just that sense of tension and anxiety of the Olympic trials. Everyone knows what's on the line and what it'll take to get there. It's a lot of fun.''

This document was originally published online on Thursday, June 26, 2008

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