Tyler Cook is not just strong in the weight room – he is also strong in the classroom. The Centennial HS junior has unlimited potential.
“I think the sky’s the limit,” said Michael Diggins who is one of Tyler’s teachers and football coaches.
Tyler is a two-sport athlete who was part of the Cougars 2023 Prep Bowl title team.
“Last year’s team, that was awesome,” Tyler said.
He also wrestles for Centennial and thrives on the mat.
Said Tyler: “I’ve always loved being active.”
“He is definitely the type of kid that hasn’t hit his ceiling,” Diggins said. “That ceiling is to me unknown because of how great he can be.”
Tyler’s path to excellence started early when he was growing up.
“My dad played football in high school,” Tyler said. “I kind of just knew that I was going to end up playing football and then signed up for wrestling in the first grade.”
Tyler’s success is fueled by his relentless work ethic and pursuit of excellence. Despite a busy itinerary, he’s found a way to juggle academics and athletics.
“It’s why he’s flourishing as a student and an athlete,” Diggins said.
“You can’t really postpone things,” Tyler said. “Can’t procrastinate. You gotta get it done and just power through it. That’s something that wrestling has really taught me.”
Motivating and uplifting
Another positive quality Tyler has, is the ability to connect with his peers. He tries to uplift every student – regardless of their social status.
“I just try and do everything the right way,” Cook said. “I look at myself and try to evaluate myself just as much as others. I try and motivate people to be the best person they can be and to succeed. I just try to make this whole school a better place, one by one.”
“The way he’s able to pick up others, the way he’s able to interact with other people is pretty unique,” Diggins said. “I think it’s what makes Tyler special.”
Diggins has glowing praise for Tyler.
“A high-character kid that I would want my son to grow up to be like,” Diggins said. “He is someone that cares about others, cares about the people that he’s with, the programs that he’s a part of and just a guy that is fun to be around.”
In the classroom Tyler gets solid grades and might pursue sports medicine, kinesiology or exercise science in college.
Despite being in his mid-teens, Tyler already has a good grasp on how to handle anything that comes his way.
“There’s always going to be ups and downs, it’s inevitable,” Tyler said. “The only thing you can do when you have those ups and downs is take advantage of your ups and learn from your downs.”
