Cooper is entering his ninth season as an assistant on the Oneonta wrestling coaching staff. He brings to the Red Dragons 28 years of successful wrestling experience at all levels.
Cooper excelled in wrestling and football in his hometown of Walton. Cooper entered the US Army immediately after graduating high school and, while in the Army, continued his wrestling success as a three-time All-Army Wrestling team member, training with Olympic caliber wrestlers from all over the country. Unfortunately, Cooper’s dream of competing internationally fell short after an untimely knee surgery, ending his All-Army wrestling experience.
Upon completion of his term of service with the US Military, Cooper attended and graduated from SUNY Oneonta. He was a four-year starter, a two-time team captain, and a NY Collegiate All-State wrestler for the Red Dragons. Cooper was team captain and major team leader on the 2005 wrestling team, which set a program record for dual meet wins (16-4) and recorded the program’s highest NCAA Championship team finish to date (14th). As an Assistant coach he helped guide the Red Dragons to a program best NCAA Championships performance, that included two NCAA All-Americans and a 12th place National team finish in 2010.
Having spent most of his life in the area, Cooper has strong community ties and an excellent knowledge of local athletic values. Cooper is currently employed as a Superintendent at Chobani Yogurt in South Edmeston NY. He resides in the Milford/Cooperstown area with his wife, Michelle, and son Wyatt.
