The kid is talented. Seems like a decent kid as well. With all the attention his fast times bring, I hope he (and the adults around him) can stay humble.
Pro track is about fast times and promotion. High school track can be, should be, and needs to have ties to education and learning. Cooper is floating between both worlds right now.
Some track officials at all levels over step their authority boundaries. We can all give instances of officials being unfair or uncaring. The fact is, most officials are great people who care about the sport, care about the athletes, and maintain a needed sense of respect for our sport.
Maybe Cooper could have handle the situation better. Hopefully the officials, coaches, and other adults help him learn from this.
With all that said, let's make sure that adults and not kids (ages 14 to 19) are setting the standard for what is acceptable behavior at HIGH SCHOOL track and field meets.
This just might be a great moment for a young guy. It'd be really nice to watch a humble young athlete grow into a humble young man. Our sport needs it!