OurAthletes

Caden is the 3A discus state champion with a respectable 177'11" throw. He also won 5th in shot put with a 54'1/4".

Back in November when his track preseason started he told me "Dad I don't really want to throw shot this year. I'm not very good at it and I didn't even make finals in district last year." My response: "Well your team needs you to throw shot and get them points because they will need every point possible to win the team district championship."

So he got better at shot to get team points at the district track meet. Then it snowballed into a regional champion and a 5th-place finish at state. He got pretty good at throwing shot put — for his TEAM.

The part that very few see is the work he puts in. I could write a suspense novel on just this track season alone — ups and downs, but we ended mentally and physically peaking. Very few know about the injuries, the early morning treatments, the late night practices, the fun time sacrifices, and the days where nothing was going right. Through all of it, Caden showed everyone how mentally and physically tough he is.

Caden also has some of the best coaches that worked with him — and they work together. To have private coaches that work with the school coaches to create a champion is an absolute tribute to his coaches wanting what is best for him. The Texas Throwers Camp coaches, GF Watkins and Steven Sanchez, working with the Goliad throws coach Leslie LeAnn Wunsch — it was tremendous for Caden to get the best instruction possible.

The Texas Throwers Camp has 15 kids throwing in the state championship this year (some of them doubling up in shot put and discus), but they also had a pile of district, area and regionals. but they also had a pile of district state area and regional champs. If you want your kid to be a better thrower, then get them to the camp.

David Cooper brings over 21 years of coaching experience and a proven track record of developing successful throwers at both Huntsville High School and Seven Lakes High School. Throughout his career, Coach Cooper has helped athletes achieve success at every level while emphasizing sound fundamentals, mental toughness, and a passion for the throwing events. His accomplishments include coaching 67 regional qualifiers, 8 regional champions, and 22 state qualifiers. In addition, 14 of his athletes have gone on to compete as NCAA Division I throwers. His athletes have earned multiple podium finishes at the state meet, including three third-place finishers and two state champions: Matt Rueff (2022) and Janey Campbell (2025). At TTC Camp, Coach Cooper is dedicated to helping throwers of all experience levels improve their shot put and discus technique, develop a championship mindset, and gain confidence in competition. He believes that great coaching extends beyond the circle, fostering relationships, character, and a supportive community that helps athletes succeed both in athletics and in life. "My goal is to help every athlete become the best thrower—and person—they can be while building lifelong relationships through the sport."