Senior Cooper Wolocko started and ended his senior football season on memorable notes. 

One of his favorite memories came right from the start when the Panthers defeated Montgomery, 47-41.

“Upsetting Montgomery was huge,” he said. “They ended up going 8-2. That win was a big moment for the whole team.”

Another big moment came at the end of the season when Cooper earned several awards, including the Joseph Stanton Heart of the Champion Award. The award references former state swimming champion and all-American Joseph Stanton, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skateboard accident the summer after his sophomore year of high school.

“You could call it an MVP award,” Wolocko said of the Stanton honor which is voted on by the players. “But I don’t like the selfish connotation of MVP. Football is the ultimate team sport. No one’s valuable without a team behind them.

“It’s proof of what my team thinks of me. Knowing they believe I’d put my body on the line for them means a lot.”

Wolocko also was named second team all district, team captain and named one of the offensive players of the year. 

“It might sound arrogant, but I expected no less,” he said. “I hold myself to a high standard. I feel like I should achieve any goal no matter how tough it is.”

Even though high school football is done, he’s working toward what is next. He will play lacrosse this spring and run track as he makes his final decision about where he’ll go to school next fall. 

“It’s different now,” he said. “My purpose used to be KPark. Now it’s about doing it for myself and succeeding at the next level.” 

He’s staying committed in the weight room while continuing to compete, and he appreciates all the teammates who have helped him.

“The whole team matters to me,” he said. “But Dakoda (Dement) pushed me every day in the weight room. And my close friends like Dane (Solomon), Bryce (Gerbasich) and Luke (Elliott) made me a better athlete and a better person.” 

He said he was also grateful for his parents, especially his mom. 

“She was really proud,” he said. “I know I don’t show it enough, but she gives me a lot of love and support.”

Wolocko said he is looking forward to the last few months of high school and will always remember his final high school football season. 

“This last year with some of my best friends like in high school was definitely enjoyable for sure,” he said.