It will truly be a family affair this upcoming season at Woodlawn, and Coach Luke Cooper was naturally upbeat as he responded to our questions about the transfer. "I am obviously very excited to have Kyle join us at Woodlawn. He is an All State type player who can be a giant boost to the program.," said Cooper "I am very excited to get to work with Kyle and Coach Flanagan, all of us working together for the same program has always been a dream of mine. I think Kyle fits perfectly with the players we are returning from last season and I think we could have a pretty solid team next year."

We announced Coach Flanagan coming to Woodlawn to volunteer as an Assistant earlier this year, in a story we wrote and published on this page back on April 25th. I wondered at that time if some kind of family reunion might occur, and now it has. With 598 Varsity coaching victories on his resume, Coach Flanagan will certainly bring a lot of experience and insight to the coaching bench at Woodlawn. Luke Cooper has often admitted that he has learned a lot from his Uncle, and has consulted with him often about basketball offensive and defensive schemes. Being side-by-side on the bench during games and in practices will make that a whole lot easier.

Coach Flanagan told us that most people don't understand the special relationship that his two nephews have. "Those two guys (Kyle & Luke) are not just brothers, they are best friends," said Flanagan. I think they really wanted to experience one season together, and so now they get that opportunity. I just hope to pass on some knowledge to a rising young coach. It is still Luke's team, not mine. I am happy to scout, give input and help out in any way I can. It will be an opportunity for me to study the game from a different perspective."

Woodlawn lost only one Senior to graduation and returns a lot of weapons from a team that was 19-13 last year. Adding Kyle Cooper to the mix will make the Cardinals a formable opponent, not just in the Midland Trail Conference, but among all Class 1A teams in southern Illinois. Coach Luke Cooper isn't taking anything for granted and he knows that many teams will be gunning for them each night. "We have a lot of work to put it in this summer and in the pre-season, but we have a great group of guys chomping at the bit to get better," said Luke. “I am really excited for what’s to come. Go Cardinals!"

Having proven veteran coaches volunteer in area basketball programs is becoming a pattern in southern Illinois basketball. Coach Wayne Harre, volunteers as an Assistant at Triad. Coach Doug Creel will be a volunteer assistant this upcoming year at Mt Vernon, and now Coach Rob Flanagan will be a volunteer Assistant at Woodlawn.

As someone in the media, I can see how Waltonville fans and players might feel jilted by the news of Kyle Cooper transferring to Woodlawn. And if it wasn't to play for his best friend & brother (and his Uncle),this transfer probably never would have occurred. Luke has always been one of Kyle’s biggest cheerleaders and supporters. But, the cupboard is not bare in Waltonville, and they will still be a good basketball team. In addition to their Varsity success last season, I believe that the Waltonville JV was unbeaten last season. I look forward to that first meeting next season between the Spartans and the Cardinals.