VYPE: What motivates you?

Cooper McCage: To play on TV one day.

VYPE: Who are some of your biggest influences or role models? Why?

CM: My biggest influence would be Derek Jeter.

VYPE: What teacher has had the biggest impact on your life? How?

CM: The teacher that influenced me the most is Mrs. Amber Fowler because of how nice she was.

VYPE: What has it taken to be successful in your sports?

CM: It takes a lot of unnoticed hours of practice to be any good at a sport of failure.

VYPE: What has been the highlight moment of your career?

CM: A highlight moment is when I hit a homerun to help go to state on my birthday during my junior year.

VYPE: Is there an opponent that you enjoy beating the most? Why?

CM: I always enjoy competing and beating Latta all of last year, it’s a good rivalry.

VYPE: Which teammate do you enjoy working against the most with in practice? Why?

CM: I like working with Kendon Wood the most in the infield. We like to get on each other when one messes up, and it brings a good competitive energy to practice.

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?

CM: My plans are to continue playing baseball and getting my business management degree in college.

VYPE: What does it mean to you to represent your school and community when you play?

CM: It means a lot to put on a Byng jersey. The school has a history of being good at baseball and I try to help fulfill that legacy.