Know Your Griz: Cooper Sprunk

At each home game this season, GoGriz.com will help you get to know the featured senior on the center poster of the gameday program with a Q&A.

The featured player from the Homecoming game: Senior center Cooper Sprunk.

Be sure to pick up your copy of the gameday program at Saturday's game against Northern Arizona to meet senior wide receiver Makena Simis.

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GoGriz.com: You've gone from walk-on to a starter on one of the top offensive lines in the Big Sky Conference. What has your mental process been like over the years to stick with it through position changes to find success on the O-line?

Sprunk: My mental process has been to buy-in to becoming an O-linemen and Coach Germer's coaching. At first, it was difficult because becoming an O-linemen was something I had never thought about, and a position I hadn't played since 6th grade. It took me some time to really want to do it, but when I realized that this change was better for the team and a better way for me to see the field I tried to embrace the O-line lifestyle. It's been the best decision I have made.

GoGriz.com: What is it that you think is making this year's offensive line such a solid unit?

Sprunk: I believe we are such a solid unit because of how close we all are. We really are a bunch of best friends that are grinding each and every day to improve together. This base of our friendship was set by the previous seniors who included everyone in everything they did. The best part of our group is that it's not just the starting five that are close but everyone in the entire room is very close.

GoGriz.com: As a senior, what does that leadership role on this team mean to you, and what do you try to impart on the younger guys, both on and off the field?

Sprunk: I would never have thought I would be a leader for our football team when I first started playing here, and it means a lot to me that I can have an impact on the team. This has been a dream come true for me. The thing that I try to impart on all the younger guys is to include everyone and that we don't need to be a team divided by class. I'll be honest, it is always fun to tease the younger guys (all in good fun), but they are still our teammates who play a big part on our team.

GoGriz.com: You had the experience of a lifetime a few weeks ago when your class of pen pals from Gerber Elementary came to see you and the Griz play in Portland. What was it like seeing those kids at the game?

Sprunk: Seeing those kids come to a football game was really a dream come true. I still can't believe they came to a game and got to experience being a part of the Griz family. Not only was it great that they came to our football game, but they also got to get a tour of Nike and got to hang out in my hometown. I just hope they are now encouraged to do great things in their lives, and they can do whatever they want if they put their mind to it.

GoGriz.com: What do you hope to do with that relationship for the rest of the year? When you graduate, what do you hope happens with the relationship in terms of passing it on?

Sprunk: I plan on still being their pen pal, obviously being their pen pal will not be as big of a deal as it is now because I will be done playing football. But if they want me to come by and Skype them, then I will be more than happy to do that whenever they want. If anyone on the team wants to be their pen pal, then I will be thrilled to pass it on, and hopefully this will become a special thing for our football team.

GoGriz.com: Overall, what has that pen pal relationship meant to you?

Sprunk: Having this relationship has been special for the both of us and has meant absolutely everything to me. This relationship has made my college experience much more fulfilling. I hope it has been as special for them as it has been for me, and I hope I have impacted their lives in a very positive way. They really are my friends and will remember them for the rest of my life.

GoGirz.com: You've already graduated with one degree here at UM, and are working on a certificate. Any thoughts on what you want do to after you've finished school?

Sprunk: I am currently getting my digital marketing certificate this fall, and I plan on moving down to Austin Texas to work for a tech startup in either marketing or sales. I am also excited to not be cold for seven months of the year!

GoGriz.com: Reflecting back on your career, what are some of your fondest memories?

Sprunk: This question gets me a little emotional. I'll be honest; it's crazy to think that my time is coming to an end. But some of my fondest memories have to be; beating the cats at home, becoming closer with all of my teammates through the coaching transition, and, I know this sounds corny, but celebrating wins and hanging in the locker room every day with my brothers. These are memories I will remember for the rest of my life.

GoGriz.com: What does it mean to you that your family is able to come to most every game?

Sprunk: My family coming to every game has meant more than they could ever know. One of the best parts about me playing football has been that it gives them an excuse to come together and hang out at least once a week. Seeing them and spending time with them at least once a week for the past four and a half years has been amazing. I especially appreciate it because I know that most college students do not get this. They have made my college experience so great; they really are the best the support system. I love them all.

University of Montana Athletics

Players Mentioned

Makena Simis

Cooper Sprunk

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