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Cooper named AD at Grace Brethern
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Rubbing shoulders with sports teams has always been a dream for Matt Cooper.
The Grace Brethren School history teacher volunteered as a JV football and middle school coach to stay close to athletics.
It has now become a full-time job.
Cooper, 29, was hired as Grace Brethren's athletic director.
"I am now on the road of athletics," said Cooper. "My job is the sports program. I love it."
To devote his full attention to athletics, Cooper has given up his teaching assignments in world and U.S. history.
Cooper replaces Paul Sper, who left after one year.
He inherits a Grace Brethren program that has undergone nomadic changes in this decade, moving in and out of six leagues. The Simi Valley school became a member of the Tri-Counties Athletic Association two years ago. For the 2008-09 season, most of Grace Brethren's sports teams will be part of the Frontier League.
With the return of Terry Gourley as head football coach, after a one-year leave of absence, as well as veteran players, Grace Brethren looks to be a contender for a league title.
"The school has done a good job in athletics for its size," said Cooper.
Grace Brethren, which has a school enrollment of less than 300 students, has won seven section titles in three sports over the last decade.
"My goal is to continue what our teams have done," he said. "We want to keep moving forward."
The school's student-athletes will have access to a new on-campus training facility.
A new weight room has been opened near the football practice facility, said Cooper.
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