NATCHEZ — Fewer superheroes resonate with kids as stylistically as DC Comics’ Flash connects with Cathedral High School sophomore Jalen McCoy.

The sophomore distance runner looked up to the comic book superhero who’s known for nullifying super villains with his electrifying speed.

“He runs so fast, and I wanted to be like him when I was little,” McCoy said.

Flash isn’t the only hero McCoy looked up to before getting to high school. In actuality, McCoy had a house full of speedsters he could try and emulate — his brothers. Arzell McCoy, who runs track for Mississippi State, and Tommy McCoy, who is working out for the University of Alabama basketball team this summer, both excelled in track in high school. Little brother is following in their footsteps.

“Well first, my dad still holds the SWAC record in the decathlon, so you could say it runs in the family” McCoy said. “My brothers have had success in track. Seeing my brothers run, they used to always beat me, and I would get mad. I always tried to make myself get faster.”

In what’s been a busy summer for the younger brother, McCoy placed first in his age group at the Head for the Cure 5K run last Saturday. McCoy placed second overall with a time of 16:10.00.

McCoy, who competes in road races semi regularly, wanted to participate in the Head for the Cure race for more reasons than just running, his mother Gail McCoy said.

“We saw that one, and we didn’t have another track meet before the junior Olympics Friday,” Gail said. “My father died from cancer, so that meant a lot.”

Jalen is leaving today to compete in Florida at the USA National Junior Track and Field Championship. Gail acknowledged staying active was key for Jalen to reach his ultimate goal.

“In order for him to be competitive for where he wants to go to college, whether that be Oregon or Arkansas, he has to continue running to stay in shape,” Gail said. “He’s running the high 9’s now, but if you look on the Internet, you have some kids his age running the high 8’s. They’re from Florida, Texas and places like that. In order for him to be considered for Oregon or Arkansas, he’ll have to run year round to stay in shape. His time is great in Mississippi, but he wants to be good nationally.”

In an effort to reach a similar status of his brothers, Jalen is determined to evolve as a distance runner. Jalen said being a McCoy carries much pride, and he intends to proudly carry on the family legacy.