Player Spotlight
Q&A with Cooper Reihl
Class of 28 Penn HS Football, 6’1 205 lb DE, 3.85 gpa, 4.68 40-yd dash,
Best moment of 2025 season?
A moment that stood out to me from last season is a strip sack that I had in the end zone that got my teammate a touchdown.
Describe your style of play
1. I would describe my style of play as explosive and fast off the edge. I’m a hustle player and it’s my goal to be part of the tackle every play.
Hilite of the 2025 season
2. The highlight of the 2025 season was when my high school (Penn) beat Crown Point, who has ended our season the past 2 years.
Favorite opposition stadium?
3. I enjoy playing at St. Joe because their fans bring so much energy and all week long there is hype around the game since both teams are usually top of the conference.
Toughest road stadium?
4. The toughest road stadium to play in is Mishawaka because that is a historical rivalry and every person in town shows up for the “backyard brawl.”
Best advice you've received and from whom?
5. The best advice I’ve got is from my defensive line coach “Bryan Mattison.” Last year I played with a club cast on my wrist for a majority of the season, so he told me to perfect my chop rip move, which became really dominant.
All Star Game?
6. It would be such an honor to play in the North vs. South All-Star game because I know all the men before me to play in the game are some of the hardest workers in the state, and I’d love to be recognized with a group like that.
Best thing about Penn HS?
7. The best part of being a student-athlete at my school is the locker room. I have such a tight bond with my teammates and nothing can change our tradition and the way we strive for perfection here at Penn High School.
Favorite part of practice?
8. My favorite part of practice is the 2 minute drill when the defense competes against the offense to try and get a stop. During this period, a sack can basically win it for the defense, and both sides of the ball are hustling as much as possible to try and win.
Has portal impacted recruiting?
9. The transfer portal has certainly made it harder for high school athletes. It brings in a new set of elite athletes to eyeball rather than just strictly young guys.
Favorite sports movie?
10. My favorite movie is “Remember the Titans.”
Favorite athlete?
11. If I could sit down with any athlete for an hour I would choose Ray Lewis because his story of how he grew up and became so motivated to be the best is super cool. I also love the resemblance with his number and the amount of cards in a deck, which is how he did push ups everyday.