Bill Cooper has arguably had as much or more impact on Idaho athletics as anyone.

Upon graduating from Boise State University in 1973 he immediately stated to have an influence in Idaho high school athletics.

Bill began and ended his career at Caldwell High School coaching football, wrestling and baseball. Though he is most noted for coaching football, no one should forget his influence on Idaho wrestling. Bill was part of the Cougar wrestling program for 19 years either as the head or assistant coach. He was awarded the Gary Comstock award for his efforts.

Coach Cooper has been a wrestling official, president of the Idaho High School Wrestling Coaches Association and has helped with weigh-ins and seeding of the Idaho state wrestling tournament for the last 28 years. Bill's influence has also seen some major changes at the state wrestling tournament such as no byes in the tournament and the addition of the fifth- and sixth-place match.

Bill has promoted the sport of wrestling in ways that few people could. He started the first District III All-Star Wrestling match and broadcast the first dual wrestling match live on radio.

These things mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg of what Bill Cooper has done to make Idaho high school athletics a better experience for kids. He has been awarded numerous awards for his service in dozens of organizations dealing with high school wrestling and football.

Bill's combination of ideas, organizational skills and work ethic, along with his outstanding ability to work with young athletes and his peers have given him a Patriarch status in the state of Idaho where he has been called upon for his input many times throughout the years.