One of the anchors in the trenches for the Tioga Bulldogs’ football program, senior lineman Cooper Fisher, signed his letter of intent to continue his athletic career at Nelson University on June 6.
The all-district lineman celebrated with his family and friends as he committed to being one of the newest members of the Lions’ football program.
'Beyond excited for Cooper,” said Zach Birdwell, Tioga athletic director and head football coach. “He's an athlete who, from Day 1, has embodied everything our program stands for, and it's amazing to see it all pay off for him. His work ethic, love for the game and just who he is as a young man are why he'll shine at the next level. I can't wait to watch him continue to grow in this next step of his journey.”
During his time in Tioga, Cooper was a twotime first team all-district honoree, a two-time academic all-district honoree, an all-state honorable mention and was named Tioga’s Lineman of the Year for 2025.
Cooper is set to receive a partial athletic scholarship from Nelson University as he joins the Lions’ football team under the direction of head coach Jared Hudgins.
“I really put my faith first, and with this being a private Christian university, I know that I’ll be able to keep doing that,” Cooper said. “I also know one of the coaches really well, and he said, ‘It doesn’t matter how big or strong or fast I am,’ and I’m looking forward to being around a great group of guys as well.”
He plans to study criminal justice with the goal of one day becoming a member of law enforcement.
With this chapter of his life coming to a close and a new one on the horizon, Cooper made sure to thank God, his parents, Lynn and Ted Fisher, his friends and his coaches.
“[God] has blessed me with more than I can speak of, and I want to thank my parents,” he said. “My mother and father have been the backbone of this whole situation since middle school and probably even before that. They’ve been at every game that I’ve played at the varsity level, and they’ve been my biggest supporters.”
He also expressed his appreciation for the love and support he received from his friends and coaches.
“Whenever I fell on my butt and wanted to quit, [my friends] would tell me to get back up,” Cooper said. “And I want to thank all of my coaches, but especially Birdwell. … He gave me the keys to a car that I didn’t know how to drive, but he helped me along the way, and I really respect him for that.”
Cooper’s family shared their appreciation for the occasion.
“He’s full of life and energy, and he doesn’t know a stranger, and for him to be so focused on schoolwork and the next level of football, it’s been incredible to watch him grow as an individual, as a teammate and, most importantly, in his faith in God,” his mother, Lynn, said. “I couldn’t be more proud.”
Gene Fisher and Neva Fisher, Cooper's paternal grandparents, were thrilled to know that Cooper is going to a college that will help him continue to build on a strong foundation. 'Life is so important,' he said. 'You only get one time. Making wise choices with the right influence and the good Lord looking over [is crucial].' They are glad he will be close enough that they can still go watch Cooper play in person. 'We were thankful for the school and the opportunity for Cooper to go there and all the opportunities he's had to learn and grow, and we're just thankful he's our grandson,' Neva said.
His father, Ted, added his thoughts on Cooper’s athletic journey and his hopes for his son’s future with the Lions.
“Cooper set his goal to play at the next level, and he made it happen, and I’m always going to be a supporter and help him chase his dreams,” he said. “… He may not be a starter yet, but he’ll still be a strong part of that team because that’s just the way he is.”
