Wrestling: Freshman confident about being All-American

Redshirt freshman wrestler Coyte Cooper doesn't use words like "maybe", "possibly" or "hopefully" when he discusses his individual aspirations at IU.\nHe uses the word "realistically." \n"Realistically, I believe I can be an All-American placing real high this year," Cooper said. "And next year, I expect to be a national champion."\nAssistant coach Mike Mena, a four-time All-American who wrestled at Iowa, was hired this season by head coach Duane Goldman to develop the light-weight wrestlers. Mena has worked with Cooper throughout the season on his technique and conditioning. He said he expects great results.\n"At this point in his career, where he is at, I am extremely impressed," Mena said. "If he is not a national champion this year, he will be an All-American, I guarantee it."\nCooper, 20, said he accepts these expectations as a challenge and not as a hope or dream. He is accustomed to success.\nHe has posted a 20-8 overall record with five wins by pin and three by technical fall in his first season in uniform. Friday against Michigan, Cooper upset No. 14 Clark Forward 3-2. Cooper said this was his best win to date -- he and Forward were the top two recruits in their weight class coming out of high school.\nAs a prep star in Anacortes, Wash., Cooper was a three-time state champion at Anacortes High School. He was also a three-time Junior National All-American. Cooper said he chose IU instead of Big Ten rivals Ohio State, Illinois and Wisconsin because of Goldman's aggressive recruiting.\nMena said Cooper has the ability to punish opponents and run them around the mat. Cooper's conditioning supersedes his other weapons, Mena said. Sunday, Cooper recorded a 28-12 technical fall against Northwestern's Josh Ballard. In the victory, Cooper recorded 13 total takedowns, with seven in the third period.\n"He humiliated that kid to the point where all the kid wanted to do was get off the mat. That is called dominance," Mena said of the match. "Cooper has the shape and ability to dominate, and it's only going to get worse for his opponents."\nAlthough he had visions of making a direct impact on college wrestling coming out of high school, Cooper said a redshirt year was his best option. That year allowed him to mature physically and mentally and improve his work ethic. He prides himself on out-working every opponent.\nSenior Mike Dixon recognizes Cooper's effort in practice and said he has a great future. \n"If he keeps it up he will be a stud come junior and senior year." Dixon said.\nMena said he believes his own success as a wrestler will help Cooper reach the pinnacle of college wrestling.\n"As long as Coyte listens to the coaching staff and absorbs everything that we offer, there is no reason why he should not be successful," Mena said. "He will be a multi-national champion without a doubt."\nCooper has won five consecutive matches leading up to the final weekend of Big Ten play. The victories included a pin, a technical fall and a triumph against a ranked opponent. \n"I am just now coming around," Cooper said. "I think what is happening now is I am starting to believe in myself on the mat. Once I do that, there is no limit to how good I can be"