BENTON'S COOPER SIMS RUNS IN THE RUSTON INVITATIONAL EARLIER THIS MONTH
When Benton's Cooper Sims started high school in August, he hoped to be able to run 16:30 during his first season of cross country with the Tigers. Two weeks ago, Sims--despite a slow start--finished with a three-mile time of 16:04.
" Needless to say, things are going well for Sims who is this week's MileSplit LA Future Star, who is getting ready for Saturday's Benton Classic.
"I was too slow at the start of the race," Sims said about his performance at Ruston. "I was trying to keep the same pace and have a kick at the end."
His time ranks No. 3 among all freshmen boys in Louisiana this season and ranks No. 7 for freshmen boys in North Louisiana history.
The last freshman runner in Bossier Parish to run that fast was then-Airline Viking Will Dart, who had a best during his freshman year of 16:03. After transferring to LCP to finish out his high school career, Dart went on to compete at LSU.
Sims' time is no surprise to Benton head coach Bryson Matthews.
"He is a hard worker," Matthews said. "He's driven, and he listens. I think you're going to see him do some special things over the next couple of years."
This summer, there was an adjustment period for Sims, who would average 30 miles a week during middle school. Initially, his body wasn't ready for the jump in volume. With the injuries this summer in his rear-view mirror, Sims is looking for a new goal for the rest of the season.
"I know 15:30 is out there," Sims said. "I'm going to go after it. If I don't get it, I'll just keep working until I do."
The cross country course and training miles isn't the only place Sims has had to make adjustments. He has had to acclimate to high school in general.
"It's a lot different," Sims said of jumping from middle school to high school. "The schedule is different. The classes are harder. It's different training during the school day, but I've like it so far. It's nice having people to run with. In middle school, I really didn't have anyone to run with me."
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