Denison University

Michael Hooper was a three-sport athlete at Denison from 1977 to 1980. He was a two-time varsity letterwinner in both football and basketball, but he was most heralded for his varsity golf contributions at Denison. Hooper was a starter and standout for the Big Red golf team all four years of his collegiate career. He was selected to serve as captain of the varsity golf team during his junior and senior seasons.  Hooper’s honors were plentiful, as he was named the team’s most valuable player three times and was honored as a three-time All-Ohio Athletic Conference selection. His freshman and senior seasons were highlighted by advancing to the NCAA Division III National Golf Championships. In 1977 Hooper placed 37th in the Division III individual tournament, and in 1980 he climbed to 11th, earning national recognition as an NCAA Division III All-American both years.

A member of Alpha Tau Omega at DU, Hooper earned his bachelor of arts degree and teaching certification as a physical education major in 1980. He pursued his postgraduate education at Bowling Green State University, serving as a graduate assistant coach and earning a master of arts degree in education in 1982. Following that he returned to Connecticut  to teach and coach high school basketball and golf.