KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Cooper Haase’s name appears a couple times on the long list of state champions featured on Osceola High School’s wrestling room wall, but he says he’s not done yet.  

The junior wrestler has won more than 100 matches in his high school career, including state championships in 2020 and 2021, but winning isn't his favorite part of the sport.

What is enjoyable is "definitely the toughness, the grit, the ability that you can’t give up,” Haase said. “If you give up, you are going to lose. That is what I like about the sport."

He has been wrestling since he was young, but didn't enjoy it until he reached high school.

"Coach (James) Bird definitely got me in the right mindset in wrestling,” Haase said. “I used to hate it a lot. I used to think it was too tough for me until I heard him say, ‘Cooper you got to have fun with it.’ And when I started having fun, I started finding more success."

Haase likes to play another sport before he gets on the mat.

"I like to play basketball before my matches when I warm up," Haase said.

His mindset during the match also helps him succeed.

"As soon as I get on the mat, I think three steps ahead,” he said. “I’m going to do this, I’m going to do this and I’m going to get to this — just thinking three moves ahead of my opponent. I would not (have) won two state titles if it wasn’t for coach Bird telling me that the mental side of wrestling would progress so much."

Haase’s goals remain high.

"I do want to win two more state titles and become nationally ranked as a wrestler," he said.

The individual state finals are March 3-5 at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.