Cooper Stigsell
Litchfield Park, Ariz.
Class of 2022
Why did you choose Central?
One reason I chose Central was because if I was going to live somewhere else for four years I wanted it to be completely different. Another reason was when VK called me and talked with me about Central I already felt like I was there. He made me feel really comfortable and a part of the team. When I talked with staff on my visit nobody had anything negative to say about any other schools. They only had positive things to say about Central, the confidence in their school was a big deciding factor for me.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Russell Goodman. Goodman is always in a good mood and if he is feeling a little tired or stressed, he lets us know. This might sound odd, but he is the most human professor I have had. Because he is a coach, I think he understands student athletes more. He understands that they are busy and they get injuries or are tired from practice. He keeps the workload manageable while still keeping us active in class. I have been with him in two classes where it was the first time he taught that subject and not once has he complained.
You’re majoring in mathematics because?
I am majoring in mathematics because engineering was too hard. Not really, well kinda, I started with engineering because I really enjoy learning how things work. But I came to learn that engineering is taught to be very job ready and I did not enjoy that. I love math because I like being able to solve difficult problems. Math has lots of sub genres where one class is very “right or wrong” and other classes are more philosophical and outside the box.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
I really like to hype people up. So I guess I'm involved in the heavy lifts my teammates hit. I would consider myself an honorable mention for the cheer team. I enjoy getting rowdy at sporting events, too. Not so much this year, but going to the volleyball games my sophomore year was probably the most fun I have had at any sports competition.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I listen to a lot of music, but my favorite genre is EDM. My go-to artists are: Illenium, Excision, Louis the Child, PEEKABOO, and Zeds Dead.
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
I have learned more about hard work and determination through wrestling than I have through anything else. Wrestling, in high school as well, has shown me that when things get tough you have two choices; quit or suck it up. I translate this mentality to my academics as well. Central has a very unique style to it, I love that the standards are high and that professors truly wish for your success. Being able to connect two things, one I more than the other, through one motto “quit or suck it up” has helped me to grow so much as a person. Attending Central and playing a sport has shown me that if there is something I want in life, I am the only person stopping myself from getting it.
Biggest pet peeves?
I would say my biggest pet peeve is when people complain. Nothing makes a situation worse than complaining about it. You are the only person in charge of your attitude and you can make the choice about whether a situation is good or not. Complaining on its own fixes nothing.
If you could master one skill that you don’t have right now, what would it be and why?
If I could master one skill it would be speaking several different languages. I hope to travel to new places and I want to be able to speak on a deeper level to people. I enjoy listening to other people's understanding of the universe and I feel like the people most different from me probably come from a different culture.
Favorite Central memory
I would say my favorite Central Memory is seeing the picnic table on top of Central Market. I know it has to be annoying for maintenance to get it down, but come on, that's hilarious. It was just so random and so funny for no reason.
Best part about growing up in Arizona?
NO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BABY. To be honest I didn’t even really know what that was until I came here. I love the heat and in Arizona you know it’s going to either be hot or less hot. I think my favorite thing about Arizona is looking at the horizon and seeing mountains. It always amazes me how much I miss seeing them when I’m in Iowa.
Favorite TV Show
Adventure Time
What’s it like to wrestle for Coach Van Kley
VK has helped shape me from a cocky high school kid to a man. His love for coaching falls so much more than winning a match. He wants us all (the wrestlers) to be the best people we can be. He doesn’t care where you grew up, all he cares about is if you are willing to put in the work. He wants us to be great students, great friends, great husbands, and great fathers. He knows how to translate the lessons we learn in wrestling to lessons we can use in other aspects of life.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central College wrestling?
It’s just that, I feel like I am family. Not once have I felt intimidated or unwanted by other wrestlers. Don’t get me wrong these guys are the toughest, meanest, most aggressive people I have ever met, on the mat. Off the mat they are brothers and people I know I can count on for the rest of my life.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to be doing me. I do not know what that is going to be, but I know that whatever it is I’m going to be happy. I hope to be married to my girlfriend and living together. I hope to be kicking it with my friends on the team. Maybe I have some kids, we will see, that’s more up to my girlfriend, but kids would be nice.
Favorite food from Central Market
Spicy tofu and green bean stir fry
Bucket list
- Visit every state in the US
- Visit every continent
- Skydive
- Tattoo my head
- Create a complete bucket list
