By Hannah Blunt '02

When senior Grant Cooper shows up at an athletic event in his green checked pants, decorative helmet, green cape, and green suede Hush Puppies, all heads turn. We tend to dismiss this crazy behavior as a bizarre personal idiosyncrasy, but what most people don't know is that Cooper '00 is doing his duty as Captain Deerfield.

Yes, this title officially exists, and each year a new senior boy receives the position. Cooper's job entails leading everyone into cheer by "making a fool of himself." Cooper stated, "Spirit can help us win; it gives us a little edge over another team." He added, "I like cheering for teams that aren't cheered for as often -- I have always been on teams that don't get much attention, and I know that when people come and cheer it makes you play better and gives [the event] so much more intensity." Commenting on future prospects, Cooper stated, "It's a tight race for who will get Captain Deerfield."

Cooper's spirit does not stop with his shiny green spandex. The Deerfield community knows him for his humor and energy, which he often displays at school meeting and sit down lunch. Remember his school meeting debut announcing that he'd had his braces removed and he was now in the market for a date to the prom? "He's the funniest guy I know here," says fellow senior SAC member Dennis Kwan '00.

The notorious skits that he and Cooper perform, produce constant laughter and have become a weekly hit. "We try to entertain," explains Kwan. "We actually do practice...a little bit," admits Cooper. "People pay attention when you make it funny or catchy; people remember what you said," he explains. "I enjoy making announcements. Tuesday is my favorite day of the week, and school meeting is my favorite part of the day."

"Coops definitely brings character to the senior class, he knows how to keep everyone spirited," said Mike Gilbane '00. "Grant brings so much enthusiasm to SAC, he's hilarious," exclaimed Lindsey Burnett '01.

"Nothing gets Grant down; his appreciation for all facets of Deerfield Life, be it the teams or SAC is constantly evident by his general attitude on campus," said Jess Harrison '00. Cooper remarked, "I have always wanted to give back to the school. It is such a unique place and I am so lucky to be here." He has certainly made this clear. "He's the greatest guy; he supports everyone in everything they do and that is why he is so well known," says good friend Graham Outerbridge '00.

When asked how he feels about his spirited reputation, Cooper comments modestly, "I don't know, I guess having a bowl-cut for fourteen years gives you character." Cooper's unfaltering example of enthusiasm for student life at Deerfield is the kind that keeps spirit and zest in the community. "Spirit is more important then anything," Cooper says, "We owe it to the school; we have so much history and tradition. We have to be proud."