Powell’s Cooper Wise was named the state’s top scholar-athlete by the Wyoming Chapter of the National Football Foundation on Saturday.
Wise was honored by the NFF during the group’s annual banquet in Laramie, chapter director Mike Schutte said. He was one of 11 finalists from around the state.
Wise is now in the running for the NFF’s regional and national scholar-athlete awards. All 11 players were awarded scholarships.
Other finalists included Sheridan’s Jordan Roberts, Natrona’s Jake Thomas, Torrington’s Zach Lurz, Lovell’s Mark Grant, Tongue River’s Austin Bolin (who played for Big Horn in 2011), Cokeville’s Bronson Teichert, Riverside’s Mike Miller and Tyler Williamson, Dubois’ Mitchell Baker and Snake River’s Daniel Wille.
University of Wyoming offensive lineman Clayton Kirven, of Buffalo, was named the chapter’s top college scholar-athlete.
The chapter also gave out several individual awards, including:
Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football: Mike “Mad Dog” Aanonsen, Laramie; Dan Kelly, Casper; T.J. Claunch, Casper; Brad Menzel, Casper.
Greatest UW Football Fans: Jim and Carla Cole, Laramie; Murph and Lori Roberts, Kemmerer.
Greatest High School Football Fans: Tempe Murphy, Sheridan; David Fink, Powell.
Ox Zellner Football Official Career Achievement award: Myron Heny, Powell.
Football Coach Career Achievement award: Mike Lopiccolo, Rock Springs.
–patrick