Dylan Cooley plays offensive and defensive line for the Independence High School Bulldogs. He and his teammates are just beginning to ramp up workouts, “We are just starting practice, and I’m excited for the opportunities we have going into the season.”
Like most seniors, Dylan has seen the time fly and has learned to appreciate the journey, “I’m looking forward to playing one more season with my longtime friends. I’ve played with a couple teammates since peewee, and I’m really trying to enjoy the last snaps we will play together.”
Cooley also recognizes that senior status entails some other responsibilities, and he seems eager to embrace that, “I see myself as a mentor and a leader to the next generation of Bulldogs. This is something that I find important, as Independence is working to rebuild a winning football program. I’m not just trying to have a good season, but to create a winning culture in Independence.”
Cooley hopes the Bulldogs can improve on last season’s record of 3-6. An Honorable Mention All-League (SEK) lineman, Dylan understands that to build the culture he is hoping for, the process begins by laying foundation, “I only have one goal going into this season. My goal is to win our team’s first playoff game. Independence has not won a playoff game in over five years, and I would like to end that streak.”
The Bulldogs will be changing up a few things this year, and Cooley realizes that this may present some challenges, but he considers his versatility and his ability to adapt to be two of his larger strengths, “My biggest challenge is learning to play as many positions as I can. During the offseason, I trained extra to strengthen my pass blocking and my speed off the line, as well as working on technique, timing snaps and getting a better start off the ball.”
Off the gridiron, Cooley also competes in track and field for the Bulldogs. He is the president of Independence High’s KAY club and is a member of the Bulldogs’ Link Crew, which helps with things like freshman orientation.
Dylan also sports some very impressive numbers academically, carrying an unweighted 4.0 G.P.A. in the classroom. He scored an eye-popping 34 on his A.C.T. As for plans after graduation, Cooley is still undecided, but knows that he wants to continue his education at the collegiate level.
