Koeman chasing records, state title.

• Position: Sports

Jamison Koeman is humble, unassuming, and respectful when it comes to his teammates and his competitors, but the Whitinsville Christian junior has a burning desire to be the best runner in the state, regardless of division.

"Yeah it is,'' replied Koeman when asked if that's what drives him. "I want to try to do as well as I can this year. At my best, I can be state champion. That would take a lot, but I'll definitely be at All-States this year and hopefully be top five.''

Koeman, a 2012 T&G All-Star, has steadily progressed since his first appearance at the Central Mass. Division 2 championships at Gardner Municipal Golf Course three years ago. As an eighth-grader, Koeman finished 47th (17:03.7), but showcased his talent and potential a year later when he placed 14th (16:05.0) at the CMass meet and 53rd at states (17:18.0).

Last season, Koeman established himself as one of the elite runners in the area by coming in fourth in Gardner (15:31.3) and 30th at Northfield Mountain (17:16.04).

"Division 2 is really good this year,'' Koeman said. "It's almost better than Division 1. If I won Division 2, it might mean I get the best time overall. It might mean I'm the best overall. It'd be a great thing to shoot for. I'm looking forward to win districts. I had a pretty good race last year.''

Of course, he realizes Bromfield junior Price Day -- the reigning CMass champion in D2 -- and Hopedale senior Paul Maurais, who was runner-up, will have something to say about that.

"His desire is to be one of the best runners in the state,'' Crusaders coach Chris Vander Baan said. "If things progress the way they are, he can win districts. Realistically, if everything goes well he can crack the top three (at states).''

"I think in the past I've raced with not as much confidence and my coach wants me to have a lot more,'' the 5-foot-8, 120-pound Koeman said. "I've been going out pretty slow at the beginning of races this season.''

Koeman had the tendency to go out too fast. Vander Baan has tried to convince him to not be as much of a risk taker. So far, so good.

"We're trying to change his racing strategy this year,'' Vander Baan said. "At first he didn't buy into it. He was very hesitant at first to change his style of racing. I want him to make his move in the middle of the race. He'd go out with the leaders and just try to hang on. He can come back from behind and chase guys down and catch them. Most guys can't do that. He's got quite a bit of experience even...