2015 was another great year for Shallowater running back Cooper Ogle. A year after leading the Mustangs to the state semifinals in 2014, he led them in 2015 to the quarterfinals, where they lost to eventual champion Brock. Ogle, however, posted all-state caliber numbers once more, carrying 380 times for 3,216 yards and 47 TDs, counting one game that was halted by weather at halftime. He also had a pair of receiving scores. Though he’s only 5-7 and 165 pounds, Ogle is difficult to bring down inside or in the open field. Despite his diminutive size, he routinely carried the ball 25 or more times a game. “He’s also a great leader,” says Coach Kyle Maxfield. “He has one of those personalities that lights up a room when he enters.”
Cooper gets it done off the field, too. He’s a solid 3.25 student who holds the school record in the pole vault and runs relays, too. He’s active with the youth group at the Church of Christ and volunteers at the local Boys & Girls Club. Though he has had offers from several smaller colleges, he’s considering a walk-on role at Texas Tech.
“When I coached Jarek Black, another Built Ford Tough award-winner, I thought I’d never coach another one,” says Coach Maxfield. “Then along comes Cooper Ogle. They’re both great players, but I think if I to pick one of them for one big game, I’d choose Coop. He’s a lovely kid, likeable and personable. Then they blow the whistle on Friday night and he turns into an ‘animal.’ As a junior, he surprised a lot of people. But this year, everyone was keying on him and it didn’t make a difference.”
Courtesy: Ford Motor Company
