Hall of Fame
Mike Cooper was born in Greenfield, Indiana, the son of Wayne and Joan Cooper. He attended Rushville High School through his junior year and transferred to Connersville High School his senior year when the family purchased a farm. Cooper graduated in 1975 as a decorated athlete. He still holds the records for the high jump at both schools.
With talents in basketball and track, "Coop" was heavily recruited in each sport. Leaning towards his love for the outdoors, he chose to attend Cumberland College (now University of the Cumberlands) and participate in indoor and outdoor track and field. He is reported to have been the first ever top ten national high school track athlete recruited by Cumberland. Under Coach Alvin Sharpe, Cooper made his presence known in the high jump circles around the nation almost immediately. Legend has it that Cooper often asked Coach Sharpe to stand under the high jump bar in order to estimate heights during practice.
As a freshman, Cooper broke the Cumberland record with a leap of 7 feet in his second outing. He won the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) Title and the District 32 with a jump of 6'11 ½ and subsequently became an All American selection.
Cooper continued his high jump career, literally with leaps and bounds. He went on to become the winner of District 32 for a second straight year and qualified again for the National Championship competition. With a jump of 7 feet, he broke through a three-way tie and became the NAIA National High Jump Champion in 1977. He was also the first National Champion in the history of Cumberland and the school's high jump record holder for over twenty years for indoor and outdoor track.
As a three-time NAIA Track All-American, Cooper won first place setting records in many major college track meets, placing second or third in most all other meets. Totaling five All-KIAC Conference Titles, five NAIA All-American Honors, numerous selections to All-Area teams and a National Championship, he is proud to add this UC Athletic Hall of Fame honor to his list of accomplishments.
Cooper currently resides in Connersville, Indiana with his wife of 35 years, the former Debbie Balyo, who also attended Cumberland. Family members include daughter and son-in-law, Seth and Jenny DeArmond, grandson, Cooper, daughter and son-in law, Mindy and Alex Chomel, granddaughters, Zoey and Allie Jo. Cooper is employed at Pilkington North America and operates a 540 acre farm and cattle operation.
