Patriot League Success Stories - Where Are They Now?

Wes Cooper, Navy, '95

October 14, 2005

Name: Wes Cooper
Institution: United States Naval Academy
Sport: Men's Basketball
Position: Forward/Center
Graduation Year: 1995
Undergraduate Major (GPA): Economics (3.22)

THEN:

• Superintendent's List
• Omicron Delta Epsilon, Economics Honorary
• Phi Alpha Theta, History Honorary
• Frederick L. Sawyer, Economic Research Paper
• 2nd Team All-Patriot League (1994-1995)
• All Tournament Team (1994)
• NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship
• Patriot League Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year (1995)
• Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award
• GTE District II Academic All-American
• Thompson Trophy Cup, Promotion of Athletics, U.S. Naval Academy
• Charles Evens McDonough Memorial Trophy, Outstanding Team Player

• Received Master of Science Degree in global leadership from the University of San Diego, 2003
• Lieutenant Commander (O-4) in the U.S. Naval Academy with 10 years of active duty service
• Helicopter pilot assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Eleven (HC-11) in San Diego, Calif. with 1,300 flight hours
• Awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for service in the San Diego, Calif., with the H-60R/S Fleet Introduction Team
• Awarded two Navy Achievement Medals for service in Norfolk, Va., and Bahrain with Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14)

I am confident that my experience as a Patriot League student-athlete prepared me well for the challenges I have faced in the Navy. The competitive atmosphere of the Patriot League is not too far from the competitive atmosphere of an aviation squadron. It is an environment filled with talented people who challenge and encourage you to give nothing other than your level best. I value the competitive edge that enabled me to succeed in the Patriot League, as it has also served me well as a helicopter pilot in the fleet.