Coach Steven Cooper graduated from Rockhurst University with a Bachelor’s in Business. Coach Cooper received his Master’s in Secondary Business Education from Rockhurst as well. He completed an Educational Specialist in Superintendency Administration from Arkansas State University.
At the high school level he competed in baseball and basketball, but ultimately found the most success in swimming. He competed on a few year round clubs including Swim Academy, C.O.O.L and the Blazers. He won several state titles over his four years at Shawnee Mission West. After finishing his swimming career, he found success at CrossFit and olympic weightlifting. He enjoys introducing individuals to the sport and loves watching as they develop confidence in their movements.
Coach Cooper has been teaching for Park Hill for the past twenty-one years. Presently, he teaches PLTW courses at Congress Middle School. He is the head football coach for the Trojans 8th grade team, the C-team boys basketball coach and the head Congress track and field coach. Together, he and his wife Christine have five children. Three of his older boys attend Congress Middle School, their daughter attends Tiffany Ridge and their youngest is getting ready for preschool this fall. Christine is the proud owner of KCI CrossFit and works hard at running a business while maintaining a crazy busy household.
Luke was born in the Kansas City area and grew up in the Riss Lake Community. He is currently in his second year at Northwest Missouri State University, where he is majoring in Elementary Education. For the majority of the year, he spends his time in Maryville working on becoming a teacher.
He swam competitively from the age of 5 to 18, spending time with multiple levels of competition. He swam for the Riss Lake Riptides for 13 years. He also swam for Blue Wave for 9 years and Park Hill South for 2 years. This will be his 3rd year of coaching for the Riss Lake Riptides.
He is passionate about helping others achieve their goals, whether they be big or small. Luke’s favorite part of coaching is being able to help everyone reach that moment of excitement when they finally reach their goal. He doesn’t care if it is competitive or casual, Luke loves to have a good time and help any level of swimmer.
Outside of swimming, Luke spends most of his time at school, playing music, or relaxing. He really enjoys music of all kinds, whether it be playing or listening, and is active in a multitude of bands at Northwest. Luke also likes to spend his free time playing video games and spending time outdoors.
