St. Joseph-Ogden’s Brendan Cooperider leaves will heart full of memories
By Dani Tietz
dani@sjodaily.com
They’d worked with their hearts set on one thing: making it to Peoria to play in the Class 2A IHSA state championship baseball game.
Instead, St. Joseph-Ogden’s Brendan Cooperider saw that everything they were working toward was really already right there.
“The Spartan baseball program has some amazing coaches and players that I’m proud to be affiliated with,” Cooperider said. “I’ve had the most fun spending time with these people for the last four years and I’m super appreciative. I believe that I’ve become a better person and teammate in my duration in this program.”
Cooperider began playing baseball as most boys do; his mom signed him up for t-ball.
“My dad had coached me for most of my younger years playing baseball and he had always encouraged me to improve my game,” he said.
“Another person who’s been a great mentor is Coach Haley. He brings a great attitude and love for the game every day that helps our team become closer with one another.”
While the left fielder had his sights set on becoming a great baseball player, he also just wanted to have the skill set that made him consistent.
“I just want to be a dependable player that my teammates can rely on,” he said. “I want to be trustworthy just as I trust my teammates to do their job.”
Once the Illinois stay-at-home order went into effect, the Spartans waited to hear if they would be able to begin down the road towards a state title.
He said the team stayed connected virtually, holding each other accountable for workouts, lifting, throwing and hitting.
The IHSA announced in late April that spring 2020 tournament will be canceled, but the organization did leave the door open for possible summer matches should stay-at-home instructions be modified.
Cooperider said that he continues to have his sights set on helping his teammates.
“I want to be a vocal leader that also is uplifting,” he said. “I want to bring the best out of my teammates any way possible whether I play or not.
“I’ve learned a great number of things being an athlete here at SJO, but with my senior year being cut short the most I’ve learned was to enjoy my time with my friends before we all take our different paths. These will be the last few months that I will see these people that I’ve grown up with and I’m trying to make the most of what we have.”
The Spartans may not be taking home a trophy in 2020, but Cooperider said that his favorite memory will always be the round robin at the St. Joseph-Ogden field.
“It was just a beautiful day to play baseball and spend the day with friends,” he said. “That Saturday every year is something I look forward to because I leave any worries behind and just spend hours with my friends on a perfect day outside. I will always remember the ball games where we all came together and had a blast while playing the game we love.”
