Edwin Cooper Jr.'s wrestling journey is a testament to dedication and hard work. His story showcases his progression through various levels of collegiate wrestling, highlighting his achievements and the challenges he overcame.
Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team
Early Life and Beginnings
Born on February 22, 1993, in Silver Cross, Edwin Cooper Jr. hails from Joliet, IL. He began his wrestling career with the Little Celtis wrestling club, coached by Edwin Cooper. In his novice years at 80 lbs, Cooper represented Gompers Junior High School.
Novice Wrestling Achievements
As a novice wrestler at 75 lbs, Edwin Cooper Jr. achieved significant success, becoming a Novice Champion and earning the title of Most Valuable Wrestler.
Collegiate Wrestling Career
Cooper’s wrestling journey started at Iowa Central Community College where he was a national champion. After a transfer to Division II Upper Iowa, he advanced to the 2014 NCAA Championship bout where he fell to Notre Dame College’s Jon Rivera.
Read also: Discover the story of Casey Swiderski
Wrestling match
“Unbelievable,” said Cooper, who suited up for the University of Iowa in an NCAA record-shattering dual meet inside Kinnick Stadium. “To be a part of this is incredible."
“(Division III, Division II) or Division I it doesn’t matter, you have to put in the work,” Cooper said after Saturday’s dual. “This is the highest level and you have to put in the work every day to compete. Maybe all the work I’ve put in to get here paid off and (allowed) me to wrestle in such a big dual."
“It was electric. When it was announced I think everybody thought there would be a big crowd, but that many?
Other Wrestling Events and Achievements
St. Cloud State, the reigning D-II national champions, had a nice day at Sunday’s Harold Nichols Open in Ames, Iowa. SCSU’s Clint Poster, also ranked No. 1 to start the season, had an impressive day as well, picking up a pair of pins and a technical all on his march to the finals where he took care of Iowa State’s Tanner Weatherman, 7-6, for top honors at 157 pounds.
Read also: Sectional Wrestling Tournament Details
Top-ranked Maryville (Mo.) hosted the Kaufman-Brand Open in St. Louis on Saturday and flexed its D-II muscles with five champions. New 141-pounder Nate Rodriquez, a transfer from Ouachita Baptist after two All-America seasons, finished off a strong day with a 3-2 victory over Missouri’s Matt Manley in the finals.
Mercyhurst (Pa.) won six titles and had nine finalists to open its season, dominating the 11-team Mt. Union Invitational on Saturday. Freshman Anthony Racobaldo, a New Jersey native, highlighted the Lancers’ day, scoring a fall at 133 pounds.
Nebraska-Kearney had a pair of top-three showings in the 30-team event.
The pre-Christmas Open tournament schedule continues this week with a handful of events. Nebraska-Kearney hosts the D-II heavy Holiday Inn Open, while top-ranked Maryville will be at the Lindenwood (Mo.) Open this weekend.
Check out Cesaro's insane workout routine
Read also: The story of Angelo Posada