COOPER URGES WESTFIELD STATE STUDENTS: "BE GOOD TO YOURSELF"

By Chris Flood, Athletics Department Student Intern

Michael S. Cooper, an NCAA-recognized speaker, made a presentation in the Woodward Center about alcohol abuse and safe driving on Jan. 29. Photo by Zach Farley

NCAA recognized speaker Michael S. Cooper spoke to a crowd of approximately 500 Westfield State students Tuesday, Jan. 28 in the Woodward Center as part of the college's continuing alcohol abuse awareness campaign.

His message was "remember to be good to yourself," a phrase that Cooper long ago adopted from Dick Nagy, the man he credits with helping him change his life. Nagy is a former University of Illinois assistant men's basketball coach who, like Cooper, is a recovering alcoholic.

Cooper said that by setting goals for himself he was able to overcome his troubles. He emphasized to students the need to set goals and accept accountability.

"He was saying to just be smart about your choices, take responsibility for the choices you make and realize that they will affect everyone around you," said Sam Chery, a member of the Owl football team.

Cooper began telling his story in July of 2002 and has spoken to more than 500 college and high school audiences. He is a native of Plymouth, Ind., and a graduate of Ball State University.

Physical activity is also a big part of his lifestyle today. He has run the Chicago marathon three times and the Indianapolis half-marathon four times.

"Being good to myself means running, speaking and not drinking. I went from a person who abused alcohol about every day to a person who runs every day," Cooper said. "I am now free to use my energy for pursuits that are life-giving instead of life-taking."

Cooper's presentation was part of the alcohol abuse awareness and research project known as the Alcohol "CHOICES" Education (ACE) program being conducted on the Westfield State campus. ACE is inspired by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) "CHOICES" program to raise awareness of alcohol abuse on college campuses and to increase collaboration on campuses in alcohol education efforts.