Sprint standout Tyrese Cooper enrolled at Hinds CC

By Todd Grasley for DyeStat

Class of 2019 sprint standout Tyrese Cooper originally signed with the University of Oregon over Texas and Ohio State last February.

However, Cooper’s entry into the next level won't be with the Ducks. He has since landed at Hinds Community College, an NJCAA Division 1 powerhouse located in Raymond, Miss.

Cooper boasts personal bests of 10.39 seconds in the 100, 20.46 in the 200-meter dash and 45.23 outdoors in the 400, and some of the best all-time performances in high school history indoors. In addition, he’s won AAU titles, seven state championships, and a combined six New Balance National titles.

“I honestly have no idea why he is no longer at Oregon,” said Darius Lawshea, who coached Cooper during his time as a member of the Miami Gardens XPress Track Club.

Hinds Community College Head Coach Reginald Dillon has confirmed that Cooper is indeed enrolled at the school and on the team despite not being listed on the school’s roster. Hinds also has former high school standouts Khance Meyers and Terrance Laird on their team and have produced 21 individual national championships and three NJCAA records in Dillion’s 17 seasons as head coach of the men’s and women’s track and field programs.

In 2018, Cooper endured a highly publicized arrest, but charges were dropped and he noted at the time that his troubles were behind him and that he was focused on becoming a role model to younger kids in the Miami Gardens XPress (MGX) program and those that look up to him around the country.

“I was just immature about my decision-making and hanging around the wrong crowd,” Cooper claimed back then. “I know now that I have to move different and be around more positive people. I just thank God that I have the opportunity to go to college and make my family proud.”

Lawshea said he believes Cooper will be prominent in track and field once again.

“He has always had to prove himself so this isn't anything new,” he said. “He will get what is needed for greatness once again. New chapter, new greatness!”