Original photo courtesy of AAU Athletics - 2016 AAU Club Nationals

To no one's surprise, track stud Tyrese ‘Smoke’ Cooper is gearing up to break more records this weekend; only, this time, he'll run in Houston, Texas. The frosh’s last performance was one to remember at the AAU Club Outdoor Track and Field Nationals, as he won the boys 15-16-year-old 100 (10.48 PB), 200 (20.68), and 400 (45.86 PB) races, along with anchoring a winning 4x400 relay in the same age group.

Next on the list is competing at the AAU Junior Olympics in the Lone Star State, where Cooper will once again attempt another sprint trifecta. You can never say never with him, and it's become a recurring theme. When he steps on the track, he does what he wants and records are often broken, sometimes twice in between prelims and finals.

“We're going there to break the 15-16 age group records in all three.” - MXG Coach LawShea

______________________________________________________________________________

Granted, he’s only 16, and many might throw around the question of should he, because of his age, have ended his season already, or more specifically, will he burn out soon?

It's a plausible question, but Cooper is, in fact, taking a breather. Don’t let the break fool you, though. He’ll be ready to go come the meet.

“We're flying out Friday for the last track meet of the year,” says LawShea. Understandably, it's been a long season, and all good things must come to an end.

Or do they?

LawShea hinted that, given the opportunity, we could see Cooper in the 400-meter hurdles. That would be insane, but not so far fetched.

“He’s has been practicing on it and he can go 49.  We just need a meet to do it.” - MGX Coach LawShea

_____________________________________________________________________________

Is it bad that this is just slightly scary? Even if not this year, next year? Junior year? Maybe throw everyone off and drop the sprints and focus on the hurdles his senior year? It probably won't happen, not even an 800 just for fun, but then again, with him, you can never say never.

“He believes he can do anything,” says LawShea.

Yes. That pretty much sums him up.

RELATED - The meet will be livestreamed from July 31 - August 6.