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Leighton Cooper |
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FRESHMAN SEASON (2009): Switch-hitter
who can run and play each of the three outfield
positions ... definitely needs to add strength to make
necessary adjustment to college pitching ... could
help the Irish immediately in pinch-running
situations ... saw action in two games during the
2008 Blue-Gold World Series ... struck out in only
plate appearance, but did manage to score two runs.
PREP & PERSONAL: A three-sport prep
athlete who lettered for three seasons in baseball,
two in football and one in indoor track ... spent his
first two years at Bishop McNamara High School
before transferring to Flint High School, where he
was coached on the baseball team by Rick Freeman
... made a name for himself as an excellent defensive
centerfielder while batting .325 as a sophomore (15
stolen bases, plus a home run) and then hitting .301
as a junior (21 SB, HR) ... helped lead 2007 team
to 20-8 record, conference tournament title and a
#9 ranking in the state of Virginia ... had impressive
showing at the Perfect Game 17U Nationals
Tournament (held in Georgia), after batting 4-for-8
with four RBI, three walks, a pair of doubles, four
stolen bases and five runs scored ... was timed in 6.6
for the 60-yard dash at the SelectFest (held in New
Jersey) ... has played club baseball with the
Maryland Patriots (coached by Mike Chroniger) ...
played key role in Flint winning the Mid-Atlantic
Conference for the first time in the school's history,
serving as a running back, wide receiver and top
special-teams performer on that 2006 squad ... won
the Coach's Award (recognizing hard work,
coachability and diligence) during his sophomore
track season ... member of the nationally-recognized
high school a-cappella signing group the "Major
Minors" ... also served as a peer counselor and
Diversity Day discussion facilitator ... member of the
National Honor Society, with a 3.43 cumulative
GPA ... son of Wesley and Venita Cooper.... enrolled
in First Year of Studies.
