By CWU Athletics
ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Apr. 5) -- Linebacker John Koopman (Enumclaw, Wash.) has been chosen to wear the number 44 jersey for the Central Washington University football team during the 2012 season, CWU head coach Blaine Bennett announced Thursday.
Koopman, who will be a sixth-year senior for the Wildcats when they take the field this fall, was selected by defensive lineman Mike Reno to wear the number 44 jersey. Reno wore the number during his senior season in 2011.
The number 44 jersey is awarded annually to "a defensive player that most exemplifies the standards of a Wildcat defender: dedication, toughness, discipline, and tenacity". The tradition began following the conclusion of the 2008 season -- Bennett's first at CWU -- with defensive lineman Mitch Reffett earning the distinction retroactively. Linebackers Buddy Wood and Adam Bighill wore the number in 2009 and 2010, respectively, followed by Reno in 2011.
Koopman has played in 35 games since coming to CWU from Enumclaw High School in 2007. He redshirted his first year, and then was awarded a medical hardship after an injury prematurely ended his 2008 season. He has since been a regular in the Wildcat lineup -- predominantly on special teams in both 2009 and 2010, and then as starting middle linebacker in 2011.
Central Washington will open its 2012 spring ball on Monday, Apr. 16, with its 15 spring practices culminating with the annual spring game on Saturday, May 12. The Wildcats' 2012 regular-season opener is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 1 at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
