Sallisaw High School junior Cooper Cox is a formidable competitor on the basketball, football and track teams.  With a passionate ambition to win in all he does, Cooper represents the attitude of a true competitor.

For Cooper, the drive to win serves as his ultimate motivation. “Winning motivates me, I want to win whatever I’m doing.”

Throughout his journey, Cooper has been fortunate to have exceptional teachers who have left a lasting impact on his life. “All of my teachers have had many different impacts on my life,” he reflected, acknowledging the invaluable guidance and support he has received from the educators at Sallisaw High School.

To excel in his sports, Cooper emphasizes the importance of putting in the work, even when no one else is watching. “Putting the work in that no one wants to do.”

One of Cooper’s standout moments in track was making it to the state level last year, a remarkable achievement considering it was his first year competing at the high school level. 

In terms of role models, Cooper looks up to his football coach, Brandon Tyler, and coach Richard Pratt. Both coaches have played pivotal roles in shaping Cooper’s athletic journey, pushing him to strive for greatness and instilling in him a relentless pursuit of victory.

When it comes to competition, Cooper approaches every opponent with the same level of determination. “I do not have a certain opponent/team I like beating the most. I want to beat them all,” he asserts, reflecting his unwavering competitive spirit.

In track, Cooper finds a formidable training partner in Aaron File, a senior known for his speed and passion for the sport. “Aaron also cares a lot about track, so his passion also motivates me to try harder.”

Beyond sports, Cooper is a member of the National Honor Society, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence alongside his athletic pursuits.

Looking ahead, Cooper plans to attend college on an athletic scholarship, leveraging his talents to further his education and continue his athletic journey.

Representing his school and community holds great significance for Cooper, who is dedicated to upholding the values and traditions of Sallisaw High School. “It means a lot to me, I love our school and community, and I will always try my best to represent them well.”