By Blake Chadwick

Wichita Northwest’s Jalil Cooper is one of those kids who has a need for speed.

Cooper’s two older sisters run track for Butler and Wichita State, and he will be the next sibling in the family to join them as he plans to run collegiately next year.

In the fall, the senior plays football for the Grizzlies, which has had a lot of success. Right after that, he moves into his primary sport, track, where he runs indoor track to prepare for his outdoor season.

“Coop is one of the hardest working kids on the track I have ever worked with,” head coach Steve Martin said. “He is poised to have a big year in the sprints.  We have to back him off. He is always pushing himself and had a great offseason in the weight room to be able to maintain that speed to finish races this year.”

The offseason work has always been crucial for Cooper, but working daily with strength and conditioning coach Rashad Daniels has prepared the senior to end his career the right way.

“I’m very dedicated and disciplined in track,” Cooper said. “I cooperate and communicate well with the coaches and my teammates.”

With every intention to go out the right way, the senior currently runs a 10.76 in the 100m and a 22.13 in the 200m dash and isn’t satisfied just yet.