NFA Two-Time State Champ Commits to Wrestle at West Point

Cooper became the first Newburgh wrestler to win a state title in 55 years when he captured the 102-pound win in 2023. The next year, Cooper won his second consecutive state championship title. This time at 108-pounds.
 

To date, Merli's career record is 133-13.

Merli will be Newburgh’s third Division I wrestler over the past decade following NFA class of 2013 Terrence Cheeks (Edinboro) and NFA class of 2020 Maxx DeCapua (currently wrestling for LIU).

Before attending Newburgh Free Academy, Cooper attended South Middle School and Fostertown School. 

Media coverage of Cooper's commitment includes:
Mid Hudson News - October 8, 2024 - NFA two-time state wrestling champ Copper Merli commits to West Point

NY-USA Wrestling - October 6, 2024 - All He Can Be: NY-USAW #2 Prospect, Merli, Chooses ARMY
 
The NFA Wrestling program is coached by William Parks, Christopher Leggett, and Frank Dinnocenzio.

Image provided by Cooper Merli.