Kokomo High School

Senior cross country runner Cooper Cage achieved the ultimate goal this season: running at the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s state cross country meet. Cage is the first KHS runner to qualify for the state in 12 years. 

“It feels good to finally get the opportunity to run at state. I should have made it last season but sadly my season was cut short due to sickness,” he said.

As he wraps up his time on the KHS cross country team, Cage has put together a long list of accomplishments including being a state qualifier in 2025, a three time regional qualifier, three time All-Sectional team, two time All-NCC and the NCC Individual Champion in 2025. Cage also helped lead Kokomo to their first conference crown in 20 years and he is ranked #2 all time in KHS history with a 5K time of 15:48.

Achieving all these things has not been easy for Cage though. It has taken a lot of hard work and discipline over the last four years. 

“Staying consistent over the summer and focusing on recovering heavily (foam rolling, massaging, stretching, strengthening) helped me achieve everything I’ve accomplished,” he said. 

Cage’s advice for younger runners is to train hard and listen to the coaches. 

“The season goes by fast so have no regrets and run hard every race.”