***PHOTO CREDIT – Jim L Hodnett***
By Derrick Smith
There are a lot of things that are required in order for an athlete to be the best they can be. They have to do more than just show up on game day and compete. There is a lot of preparation that has to be done. Cooper Church says that can sometimes mean missing out on things you really want to do.
“Obviously you have to be willing to work hard in order to be your best,” he said. “You also have to be dedicated and willing to make sacrifices, no matter how tough it may be.”
Church is a junior at Elk City High School, where he plays multiple sports for the Elks. On the basketball court, he plays small forward, while on the baseball field, he plays pitcher and third base. Cooper is no stranger to either sport. He started playing baseball at the age of five and he picked up basketball a few years later when he was eight.
Throughout his career, Cooper has made a lot of memories with his teammates, both on and off the field and court. But he says that out of all of them, a personal achievement would have to be his favorite.
“The highlight of my career would have to be starting at both basketball and baseball as a sophomore,” he said. “That is a really big accomplishment.”
Sam Stephens, Elk City head basketball coach, says that Cooper is the kind of athlete every coach would love to have on their team.
“Cooper is a great young man to coach,” coach Stephens said. “He brings hard work everyday with a good attitude whether it’s in the weight room or gym. He listens and executes what is being coached very well. He also brings a lot of leadership to our team.”
Along with playing sports, Church is also involved in various groups around campus. He is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, the Key Club, Interact, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
