Monroe High has recently decided to honor a very important former graduate, Lawrence Cooley, known as one of the greatest football players in Monroe history. Cooley passed away in a car accident at age 33 in Cincinnati in 1989 and in memory of his name, Cooley’s family has offered MHS $50,000 to rename the weight room after him. The money is being held in account by Cooley’s brother and anything the football coach asks for, if it is acceptable by the brother, will be purchased and donated to the team.
Cooley was the MVP of his football team his senior year and became a member of the UPI All-State team in 1972. He continued to become a part of a two-time, all- Border Cities League selection.
Not only was he a super star on the field but a very determined athlete in the weight room. Cooley was known as the “lifter,” which followed him when he went to Nebraska where he went on to play college football at the University of Nebraska. On Feb. 28, 1977, Cooley was the first Nebraskan Cornhusker to bench press 400 pounds. He tied for Lifter of the Year honors with I.M. Hipp, who later played NFL football.
Cooley continued his passion for the game and went on to coaching at Nebraska as an assistant graduate. He also coached at Ball State University as an assistant line coach. At the University of Minnesota, he was the line coach. His last destination before his accident was at Northern Illinois at the University of Cincinnati, where he was offensive line coach.
In loving memory of this highly respected young man, MHS has graciously taken the commitment to our fellow students in keeping his recollection alive. The Lawrence Cooley Fitness Center is now a very important aspect of our school.