Bryce Cooper '22 Wins 400m at Meet of the Champions

Sophomore Bryce Cooper '22 ran to victory in the 400m (50.16) at the Meet of Champions on Saturday, February 22, qualifying for the Pennsylvania State competition.

"My main goal going into the race was to have a strong start in order to position well after the break, when the runners collapse into lane 1," explained Bryce. "After that, I was focusing on whoever was in front of me and finishing with everything I had left." Bryce is the first EA 400m runner in recent school history to win the Meet of the Champions race. He was also the only sophomore to win a race at the event. Read more coverage by PA Prep Live here.

"I felt accomplished because all of my preparation paid off," said Bryce. "There is always a feeling of fulfillment after coming in first, but it also means that if there could have been one more person in front of you, you would have pushed harder."

Bryce finished 6th at the State meet, held at Penn State University on Saturday, Feb. 29. He was seeded #12 out of 20. Bryce currently holds the EA school records in the 200m and 400m. He is ranked as the #1 sophomore in the 400m in Pennsylvania and the #9 sophomore in the country.

"Ever since I was little, I have had a passion for running. My dad is a coach on my local track club team, so at a young age I was introduced to running," shared Bryce. "Growing up in a family with two older brothers brought a competitive mentality to running. Up until recent years, I have always done track as a way to stay fit during the spring and summer."

The summer before 8th grade, Bryce medaled at a national meet and started to seriously consider track as another athletic option. "I've tried many events all the way from the 100m dash, to the pentathlon, to the 1500m run, but now I focus more on the 400m, 400m hurdles, 200m, and think about maybe the 800m run as a secondary event."

Bryce also plays on the football team, is a member of the Vestry, and participates with EA's Global Youth Leadership Institute.

"I thank my family and coaches for supporting me throughout my racing career and for continuing to believe in me," said Bryce.