Norland FL sophomore Tyrese Cooper is expected to contest titles at the FHSAA state championships this weekend in the 100, 200 and 400 meters in spite of a hamstring injury that flared over the weekend at the Class 3A Region 4 meet.

 

Cooper, the New Balance Nationals Indoor champion in the 200 and 400, ran 45.69 seconds in the 400 finals at regionals. But he was slow out of the blocks against Damion Thomas of Northeast and had to chase him down to secure the win. 

 

Cooper was prone on the ground afterward and suffered a reported "Grade A tear."

 

Cooper practiced Tuesday running on the grass and didn't feel any pain. He has been receiving treatment, including acupuncture. 

 

Cooper's goal is to compete in all three events at state with a controlled effort overall, but testing his limits a little in the 400, according to his coach, Darius Lawshea.

 

In the postseason, Cooper plans to focus strictly on the 200 and 400. He intends to run at the Nike Elite Camp 200 meters at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, the New Balance Nationals Outdoor, and the Great Southwest Classic in Albuquerque, N.M.