Cooper looks to capitalize on last chance

IOWA CITY — Edwin Cooper owns a distinguished resume.

He is a national champion and an NCAA runner-up, but those accomplishments came at a different level.

After success at Iowa Central Community College and Upper Iowa University, Cooper is looking to make his mark in his second and final season at the University of Iowa. He will have the opportunity to cement himself in the 157-pound spot against a nationally-ranked wrestler when the Hawkeyes host Maryland in the Iowa City Duals at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, beginning at 11 a.m. Friday.

Cooper started the season with a loss last weekend and is identifying how to adjust his style to some new rules.

'It's going to be a great year, though,' Cooper said. 'I feel like I just have to keep doing the right things, focusing on the things I need to do and help this team get to that next level.'

Cooper began his college career with a 149-pound NJCAA championship for ICCC. He took a year off and then became an NCAA Division II national finalist at 149 for the Peacocks. Cooper finally was able to join the Hawkeyes last season, going 12-5 at 149 and 157.

'He's not a bad wrestler,' Iowa Coach Tom Brands said. 'He just needs to be seasoned.'

Last year, Cooper was involved in competition to start at 149. Brandon Sorensen eventually took control of the spot, placing fourth at the national tournament. He learned you have to be prepared for the start of the season and be able to finish it strong.

'This year, I was way more ready at the beginning of the year than last year.' said Cooper, noting that he has adjusted from last season. 'Just being ready to go earlier in the season than last year is a big change for me. ...

As far as my shape, doing the right things, the lifestyle that I'm living and stuff like that earlier in the year, which started in the summer.'

The opening loss served as a barometer. He battled Oklahoma State's Chance Marstellar, 14-11, but gave up eight nearfall points. Brands said Cooper needs to develop more mat awareness. Cooper continued to battle, but continued to make the same mistakes throughout the match.

'I think he learned a lot because it is an experience,' Brands said. 'That is what you do with experiences. As long as he's going forward we're good there and that's going to be on him.'

Cooper is new to the lineup, getting limited action last season. The more time in competition on this level will help him improve his mat instincts.

'I think that helps me a lot, plus I'm a senior this year, so it's good just to be under pressure moments like that,' Cooper said of the Oklahoma State dual. 'Help put points up for the team and work from what I've done in practice and bring it out to the platform in the live match with another opponent.'

Cooper expects to face Maryland's Lou Mascola (4-0), who is ranked as high as 18th nationally. He said his success relies on wrestling hard from start to finish, being aggressive on his feet and working good angles and preventing points. Cooper said he is ready for the challenge from every conference match.

'it's a huge change just from the competition, especially in the Big Ten,' Cooper said. 'It's still the same mentality. You have to get yourself ready and you have to work hard in the practice room every day. You have to be ready to go every week, week-by-week.

'They (teammates) actually help me do that easier. Everyone is on the same page as you.'

Second-ranked Iowa also will wrestle Grand Canyon (Ariz.) University at 12:30 p.m., followed by Iowa Central at 2 and Cornell College at 3:30.

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com