DyeStat.com – News – Cooper Lutkenhaus Turns Pro, Signs With Nike

U.S. 800 Meters Runner-Up Will Forgo Remaining High School Eligibility

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Becky Holbrook photo

Teen track star Cooper Lutkenhaus will arrive in Tokyo for next month’s World Athletics Championships at the same elevated status as his teammates. 

The 16-year-old from Justin Northwest has signed a professional contract and will compete for Nike, according to multiple reports Monday morning. 

Lutkenhaus will continue to be coached by Chris Capeau, his high school coach. 

He will also join the stable of athletes under the management of Flynn Sports. 

“I’m very excited to work with him. Cooper has a great future ahead!” agent Ray Flynn told DyeStat.

Lutkenhaus was thrust into the limelight with his jaw-dropping second-place finish at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, where he became the fourth-fastest Amercian of all-time with 1:42.27.

While the pro circuit has moved through European meets over the past few weeks, Lutkenhaus returned to school for his junior year on Aug. 13. 

“He is comfortable with his decision and can race where and when he wants to in the future,” Flynn said. “Keeping everything familiar and being around the family unit and his high school coach makes it a smooth transition. It was always going to be difficult for him to race in high school now.”