MOREHEAD, Ky.--Warren Cooper, a basketball All-American and member of the Morehead State Athletic Hall of Fame, passed away Monday. He was 90 years old.
Cooper played basketball for the Eagles from 1942-45 under coach Len Miller, helping lead MSU to an overall record of 40-16 during those three years. He was named All-American and was inducted into the Morehead State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985 as part of the inaugural class.
Cooper, who was inducted into the Rowan County Senior High School Hall of Fame this past summer, also served as the head boys basketball coach at RCSHS. He also was an assistant principal at the high school for four years and coached the Viking track and baseball teams. He is the only person to have played, coached and refereed the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) state basketball tournament. The gymnasium at RCSHS is named for Cooper.
"The loss of coach Cooper is a tough one for the entire Morehead Community,"said Morehead State Director of Athletics Brian Hutchinson. "He was a legendary basketball player here, but his service to the Morehead, Morehead State and Rowan County communities after he graduated from MSU was where he impacted lives the most. His presence in Rowan County will be missed."
Funeral arrangements are pending at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warren H. Cooper Basketball Scholarship Fund, c/o Rowan County Superintendent Office, 121 E. Second St., Morehead, Ky. 40351.
