2021-22 Wrestler of the Year: Alex Hopper

***ICYMI: Boys Swimmer of the Year: Will Sterrett***

***ICYMI: Girls Swimmer of the Year: Callie Parkes***

Now that the winter sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next week, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in boys and girls basketball, boys and girls swimming and wrestling.

One of the Coastal Preps Wrestlers of the Year is junior Alex Hopper from Laney.

Alex’s Accomplishments

After finishing fifth in the state as a freshman, Alex Hopper failed to place as a sophomore.

He used that as motivation and made sure it wouldn’t happen again. Not only did Hopper get back on the podium this year, he stood atop it.

Hopper finished with a record of 49-2 en route to the 4A state title at 170 pounds. His 49 victories were the most in the area. He finished with 37 pins and six tech falls, while also receiving a pair of forfeits. 

One of his losses came to Tomas Brooker of Hickory Ridge in the semifinals of the prestigious Holy Angels Tournament in December. The two met again in the state championship match and this time Hopper recorded a pin in 3:40.

Hopper’s four wins at the state championships gave Laney 27.5 points and helped them claim the team title for the second straight season.

The Buccaneers also won the dual team state championship for the first time in school history. During the playoff run, Hopper went 5-0 with three pins, one tech fall and one decision.

More about Alex

Favorite Food(s): Korean ribs

Favorite Restaurant(s): Texas Roadhouse

Favorite Movie(s): The Batman 

Favorite TV Show(s): The Office 

Favorite Athlete(s): Jordan Burroughs

Favorite memory from this season: Winning a team and individual state title. 

Favorite memory from your career: Winning a state title.

Favorite thing about your school or team: The connection we have on the team.

Favorite holiday: July 4th

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: To sing and dance 

Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, what is your favorite treat?: Apple cobbler with ice cream 

What app on your phone do you use the most?: TikTok 

If you could shop for free at one store, which one would you choose?: The grocery store

Would you rather hang out by the pool or on the beach?: The beach 

Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Hot weather 

What is a skill you are bad at that you wish you could master?: Play basketball 

Would you rather watch a movie at home or in the theater?: In the theater 

If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would they be?: Morgan Freeman, The Rock and Kevin Hart