Metro Teen Among Top Cross-Country Runners In Age Group

A Piedmont eighth grader proved that he's one of the best in Oklahoma, now he said he is ready to see if he's one of the best in the USA. 

Blake Cope, 13, has been running since he used to jog with his mother when he was only six years old. He said he loves to run cross country. He recently ran a two-mile cross country course in less than 11 minutes. That qualified Blake to run in next month's Junior Olympics National Championship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

Piedmont Middle School and High School Cross Country Coach Todd Johnson said Cope is gifted. “He wanted to win almost every meet,” he said. “He wanted to be number one.” 

Blake Cope has been training recently with members of the Piedmont High School Cross Country team to get ready. “I don't know, it's one of those things you have to enjoy. And I definitely enjoy it so,” the soft-spoken humble young man said. 

Blake Cope will be the only Oklahoman in his age group to compete in the upcoming national cross country competition on Dec. 13.