From goats to numbers: Cooper pursues passion
By Ellee Krien
Picture this: a big barn, grand stands, dirt floors, and goats all over. That is where you will find Garin Cooper on a majority of his weekends, year-round.
“I love to show my goats… I have been doing it for about 13 years now,” said Cooper.
Cooper is well known for how successful he is at showing goats. He has a national belt buckle in the breeding and owning class. He has placed at nationals multiple times and won at various other regional shows in Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska, Texas and Kansas. He’s also won the red buckle series in the showing circuit.
Not only does Cooper love goats, but he loves numbers too. He plans to major in accounting at Emporia State University, or Fort Hays State University. He developed his interest in accounting during his sophomore year, when he took an online course of accounting. In the future, Cooper also wants to get his masters degree in accounting.
“My biggest academic goals are to keep my grades up and have a good GPA,” said Cooper.
Cooper is all about hard work, so even in his free time he stays productive working on cars, hitting the gym, showing goats, and being with friends and family. Cooper is also involved in FFA, wrestling, track and field, the American Boer Goat Association, and 4H. Cooper also has a passion for woodworking, which is where the interview took place.
“Garin is always up to doing something, but he also likes to just relax and sit by the fire, or go use the hot tub at his house. Those are some of my favorite memories with him,” said Kobe Tice, senior.
Cooper’s favorite movies to watch are Marvel movies. He doesn’t have a favorite, but he has seen them all at least once and some multiple times. One of Cooper’s friends, Adam Krien, senior, loves to watch Marvel movies too.
“Garin has been my best friend since as long as I can remember,” Krien said. “We had countless sleepovers at each other’s houses making many memories together. Growing up, Garin and I have stayed close sharing lots of similar interests. Despite going to different colleges, we will still remain friends. There is no doubt that Garin will do great things in life and be successful in whatever route he chooses.”
Another huge part of Cooper’s life are his two older brothers: Gaten and Gavin. They are spread out in age, but they remain close in heart.
“My brothers are my biggest role models. They inspire me to work hard and be a better person,” said Cooper.
