FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State University and the Athletic Department are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Dave Cooper.

"This is a sad day for Fairmont State and Fighting Falcon Athletics," said Director of Athletics, Greg Bamberger. "Dave was a very large part of the history of Falcon Athletics. From being a student-athlete to coach then an administrator, Dave was an integral part of Fairmont State University."

Cooper was one of the few to be student-athlete, coach and administrator at Fairmont State University. His time at Fairmont State began when he was a member of the men's basketball team. He was part of the team from 1968-1971 and played on three conference championship teams while part of two Final Four teams in 1968 and 1971.

During his time at Fairmont State, he was selected All-WVIAC his junior and senior years, averaging 19.9 and 20.1 points per game respectively. In addition, Cooper was selected first-team NAIA All-American, second-team Associated Press Small College All-American, first-team NAIA All-Tournament and first-team 5'10' and under All-American. He was the West Virginia State Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1971.

Upon his graduation from Fairmont State, Cooper began his coaching career at Petersburg High School for seven seasons. Cooper returned to Fairmont State in 1978 as men's assistant basketball coach and instructor in the health, physical education, recreation and safety division. He served as Joe Retton's assistant for four years and became FSC's head coach in 1982. During his three-year stint as head coach, he posted a 53-39 record. Cooper's 1984-85 team posted a 22-9 record and his 1983-84 team won the WVIAC Tournament.

After a short hiatus from Fairmont State, Cooper returned to campus once more in 1997 where he was named the institution's sixth athletic director. He led the Fighting Falcons for seven and a half years before retiring in January 2005. Copper was then inducted into the Fairmont State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.

"The whole department and university are deeply saddened by his passing," Bamberger added. "He was an institution not only at Fairmont State but in the community as well. He will be greatly missed by the entire community and family of Fairmont State University."

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cooper family and to all those who knew him.