By Cassie Ipock, Communications Coordinator

 

When Union Commonwealth University offered DSHS Senior Cooper Burge the chance to join its track and field team in the fall, he literally jumped on it.  

 

As a member of the Panther track and field team, Cooper competes in the long jump and triple jump.  In fact, he's Dawson Springs' lone competitor in the triple jump, proving it's his signature event with an appearance at state during the indoor championships held earlier this year.  

 

Located in Barbourville, Kentucky, Union Commonwealth University is a private liberal arts college, competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, or NAIA.

 

Cooper transferred to Dawson Springs for his last year of high school, making quite the impression on the basketball and track programs.  "Cooper made an immediate impact after moving here from another school," said DSHS Track and Field Coach Dylan Simpson.  "During the indoor season, he qualified for state in triple jump and continued to improve throughout the outdoor season—he was our top long jumper and triple jumper this year and made the best out of our limited facilities and resources."

 

It was at DSHS that Cooper demonstrated resilience and grit.   "It was great to have him join the team and help some of our other athletes who were new to long jump this year," Coach Simpson continued.  "I look forward to seeing what he can do in college once he has better facilities and resources to practice."

 

Playing at the collegiate level is a goal realized for Cooper.  "I’m very blessed to be committed to Union Commonwealth University, and I want to thank Coach Payton Ellison for this opportunity, and for believing I can become more than I am right now," Cooper said at his signing during a press conference hosted by the Dawson Springs Athletic Department.   

 

Cooper also made consistent appearances on the court for the Panthers during the 2024-25 basketball season.  "Basketball will always be part of who I am, and it helped build my competitiveness and athleticism," he added.   "I was fortunate enough to have opportunities in basketball too, but track opened the biggest door for me at the next level."

 

For Cooper, Track and Field is more fruitful at the collegiate level.  "I realized that’s where my future and greatest opportunity was, so I wanted to fully commit to something I know I can grow in and succeed," he concluded.