Gymnast Cooper works to overcome knee injury

By JENNIFER SCHOENFELD
Collegian Sports Writer

He cheered for his team on Saturday even though he wanted to be out on the floor competing in the Lions 228.95-218.65 shellacking of Michigan State.

It was the first home gymnastics meet of the season that senior Mark Cooper sat out.

"It was really weird not to be competing," he said. "I had a helpless feeling because there was nothing I could do to help the team score."

Over a week ago, Cooper tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. At that time, doctors told him he would need surgery and would be out for the season.

But last week, he was given clearance to begin practicing on the high bar, parallel bars and rings. This became possible after trainers and physicians saw there was little swelling to his knee.

Cooper's chances of returning to competition are good, but not guaranteed.

"There is a chance, but I don't know how things will play," Lion Coach Randy Jepson said. "We are not sure, but we're hopeful."

The trainers and doctors felt that no more damage could be done to the torn ligament, and that Cooper might be able to compete if he strengthened his leg properly, Jepson added.

"I'm excited because I was so disappointed when I tore my knee up," Cooper said. "I am on a strengthening program to make my knee stronger for landing. If it gets strong enough, then I'll be able to compete again."

Cooper injured his knee when he landed wrong while practicing a new vault routine.

Redshirting was not an option because Cooper had competed in over 20 percent of the meets and it was past the midpoint of the gymnastics season.

Cooper practices a little bit each day. Although he has not yet attempted landings, Jepson is hoping to get him back into the high bar lineup.